The California reparations space is facing a moment of reckoning. Last week, two pieces of reparations legislation were killed on the Assembly Floor, sending shockwaves through our community. While SB 1403 and SB 1331 are officially off the table for this legislative year, SB 1050, a bill that WIML helped craft, is currently on Newsom's desk for signature. It's time we pivot our energy in ensuring that it's signed into law. Victims of racially motivated eminent domain deserve immediate repair.
SB 1050 would undoubtedly set a historical precedent. In a country that defers to excuses Black folks advocate for themselves, their ancestors, and restitution it's time to stop asking how expensive it will be and how it will be funded. Folks that were so eager to steal our properties right from under us are the ones who, today, hide their hands, pretending the land they stole has not accrued value and equity. As Cole Arthur Riley reminds us, 'Solidarity is a presence that costs something." Apologies aren't enough. Plaques in the state capitol aren't enough. Property restoration or compensation are the only answers.
It's tiring to have to explain this, time and again. How many times do Black folks have to bear our scars for the world to see repair?
Santa Monica's self-imposed deadline to provide repair recommendations for Ebony Beach Club's unjust seizure came and went on July 23rd. The City Manager, David White, gave cursory remarks that lasted less than a minute. He provided no concrete updates or recommendations. Where Is My Land and the White family will continue to fight for what they are owed. Stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime, continue signing and sharing the White family petition to demand repair.
Russell City Descendants for Restorative Justice
Over 18 months ago, the Russell City Reparative Justice Project Steering Committee was formed by the city of Hayward to research and prepare restitution recommendations for victims who had their homes seized and destroyed by Hayward City and Alameda County.
On March 26, 2024, a work session was held at the Hayward City Council meeting to receive recommendations for reparative justice actions proposed by former residents and descendants of Russell City. As City of Hayward staff further assesses the recommendations, they are collecting additional community feedback before bringing the proposals back to the City Council for further consideration and potential implementation.
To accomplish this, the City will host a five-part, virtual town hall series between July and September 2024 to get input on 10 reparative justice proposals.
In the last newsletter, we discussed how the City had been continually pushing back the public comment periods for the first 4 recommendations. Well, they're finally open and taking submissions! Click here to submit public comment for property restoration!
We're back in Huntsville, Alabama with the Garner Family! Carrie Matthews was unlawfully kicked off her land by greedy, conniving lawyers who lied about a key document for decades. Now, commercial properties like Aldi, Valvoline and more stand on her land. Right now, their petition has almost 400 signees, can we count on your signature?
Check out our CEO & Founder, Kavon Ward, in Issue No.17 of AphroChic!
"My mom used to always tell me. 'You're no Malcolm. You're no MLK,' whenever I would say something was unfair," she reveals. "But it didn't matter. I always gave them a fight."
Kavon was featured in AphroChic's Activism Issue! The magazine is one of the oldest Black brand's in America and for two decades has, "explored design as a cultural artifact, and examined the expressions of that artifact within African Diaspora cultures around the world." Their latest project, "the creation of a virtual home for the African Diaspora, exploring design, art, food, fashion, and scholarship that celebrates the diversity and connections between Black people worldwide."
Click below to buy Issue No.17 and support Black media!
Introducing Our Newest Funders, The California Endowment & The Weingart Foundation!
We are incredibly excited to announce our newest funder, The California Endowment. This remarkable partnership not only represents a significant milestone for our organization but also underscores our shared commitment to fostering healthier, more equitable communities across California. With The California Endowment's generous support, we are empowered to expand our initiatives, drive impactful change, and make a tangible difference in the lives of our families.
The Weingart Foundation, a distinguished private grant-making institution, is dedicated to advancing racial, social, and economic justice throughout Southern California. Since its inception in 1951, the Foundation has channeled over $1 billion in grants and loans to countless organizations in the region. By empowering organizations that provide essential services and uplift communities of color, the Weingart Foundation exemplifies the transformative power of strategic investment and trust in community partners.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey with our new funders!
With another huge milestone under our belt in Santa Monica, our impact is undeniable. This work wouldn't be possible without your generous donations, large or small. Help us to continue scaling this work and impacting the lives of Black families across America.
We have a new fiscal sponsor and are now able to accept tax-deductible donations again!
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