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California reparations panel to recommend ‘down payments’ to Black residents
California’s reparations task force is preparing to recommend that the Golden State apologize and issue “down payments” to Black residents as a way to make amends for slavery and discrimination, although the state explicitly outlawed slavery when it joined the Union in 1850.
The task force, created by state legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2020, on Monday published more than 500 pages of documents indicating it plans to recommend California issue a formal apology for slavery and racism and consider payments of varying amounts to eligible Black Californians.
The draft report also recommends a slew of policy changes, including banning cash bail, a controversial move that some have blamed for increases in crime in areas that have adopted it.
Economists predicted in a preliminary estimate in March that California’s reparations plan could cost the state over $800 billion. The task force, which consulted five economists and policy experts to arrive at the number, clarified at the time that the total didn’t include compensation for property that the group says was taken unjustly or for the devaluation of Black-owned businesses.
However, the task force’s latest batch of documents, which include a draft final report and agenda items to discuss at an upcoming meeting, don’t contain an overall price tag. Instead, they outline ways California could calculate how much money Black residents have lost since 1850, when the state was established, through today due to discrimination.
Calculations would vary depending on how long a person has lived in California and the type of racial harm that person suffered. The final report suggests dollar amounts that have been lost for specific types of racial discrimination, indicating those amounts should be paid back to Black residents.
These estimates include, for example, losing $2,352 per person per year of California residence for the over-policing of Black communities, $3,366 per person per year of residence for “discriminatory lending and zoning,” $13,619 per person per year of residence for “injustices and discrimination in health” and $77,000 per person for Black-owned business losses and devaluations.
The task force also urges in its latest documents that eligible Black Californians receive cash “down payments” as soon as possible while waiting for the full amount of money loss due to racism and slavery to be calculated.
Kamilah Moore, chair of the California Reparations Task Force, left, and Amos Brown, vice chair, at the California Science Center in Los Angeles Sept. 22, 2022. Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images© Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
“Given that the process of calculating the amount of some of the losses and determining the methods and structure for issuing payments could involve a lengthy process, the task force further recommends that the legislature make a ‘down payment’ with an immediate disbursement of a meaningful amount of funds to each member of the eligible class,” the documents state, describing such payments as “substantial” and “the beginning of a conversation about redressing the economic and societal harm of historical injustices, not the end of it.”
Beyond raw dollars and cents, the task force also proposes several policy changes to combat racial discrimination and for California to issue a formal apology enacted by the legislature and signed by the governor apologizing for slavery and anti-Black racism.
The reparations program would be overseen by a new state agency that would determine eligibility for and distribute funds, according to the task force report.
A final report with the panel’s official recommendations is due by July 1 to the California Legislature, which will then decide whether to implement the measures and send them to Newsom’s desk to be signed into law.
Task force leaders have said they expect the legislature to come up with actual reparations amounts. According to California Justice Department officials, the law creating the task force did not instruct the committee to identify funding sources.
Critics say the reparations proposals are fiscally unmanageable for a state already facing a deficit of tens of billions of dollars and argue it doesn’t make sense to implement them when California never allowed slavery.
Proponents counter that racial discrimination in the state has devastated the Black community, costing it untold amounts of money.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A Korean American Columbia University student, who is a legal permanent U.S. resident and has participated in pro-Palestinian protests, cannot be detained by federal immigration officials for now as she fights the administration of President Donald Trump over attempts to deport her, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
Yunseo Chung, 21, has lived in the U.S. since she was seven, and sued the Trump administration on Monday to prevent her deportation. Her legal team was informed this month that her lawful permanent resident status was being revoked, according to court records in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Trump has pledged to deport foreign pro-Palestinian protesters and accused them of supporting Hamas militants, of posing hurdles for U.S. foreign policy and of being antisemitic.
Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the administration wrongly conflates their criticism of Israel and support for Palestinian rights with antisemitism and support for Hamas. Human rights advocates condemn the government’s moves.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security alleged Chung engaged in concerning conduct, including when she was previously arrested by police during a protest at Barnard College that DHS termed “pro-Hamas.”
Chung has not yet been arrested by federal officials. Immigration agents made multiple visits to her residences looking for her.
U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order against the government that prevents Chung from being detained, court records showed.
Actions against Chung form part of a pattern of government efforts against pro-Palestinian voices critical of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, her lawsuit said.
Columbia protester Mahmoud Khalil, who was arrested this month and is legally challenging his detention, is also a lawful permanent resident. Trump, without evidence, accused Khalil of supporting Hamas, which Khalil denies.
Badar Khan Suri, an Indian studying at Georgetown University, was detained last week. A federal judge barred Suri’s deportation.
U.S. officials have asked Cornell University student Momodou Taal to turn himself in, his attorneys say, adding his visa was being revoked.
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The U-VOL Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities, will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Saturday, April 12th, at The Bowery House & Gardens in Katy. This milestone event, themed “Healing Through Unity,” will bring together healthcare professionals, business leaders, philanthropists, and advocates to support life-changing initiatives in maternal health, clean water access, and global health workforce development.
Hosted by Houston journalist and media personality MC Laura O, the event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Sarah E. Gray, Chief Nursing Officer of The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing — the second-largest nursing organization in the world, with approximately 135,000 active members across more than 100 countries. Guests will also enjoy an engaging evening with:
Performance by special guest Makeda Tene, a Grammy-nominated artist, actress, and author
A gourmet dinner, live entertainment, a vendor fair showcasing women founders and leaders of color, and a live auction featuring exclusive items—including a one-of-a-kind live painting created during the event
The presentation of the prestigious DAISY Award for Advancing Health Equity, honoring nurses making a global impact
“This gala is not just a celebration of our past 10 years—it’s a call to action for the future,” said Dr. Faith Adole, Founder and President of U-VOL Foundation. “Healing Through Unity is about bringing people together to create real change. Every dollar raised will directly support our mission to provide healthcare access, maternal health resources, and clean water solutions to communities that need it most.”
The U-VOL Foundation 10th Anniversary Gala is expected to draw leaders in healthcare, philanthropy, business, and advocacy who share a passion for global health equity, and the organization invites all Houstonians to be a part of the experience. Tickets are available now at www.u-volfoundation.org/gala25. Sponsorship opportunities are also open for organizations looking to support this impactful cause.
To keep up with the latest updates on U-Vol Foundations’ 10th Anniversary Gala and the organization’s upcoming project, please visit the official website and follow the organization’s official social media page on Instagram (@UVolFoundationdation).
Founded by Dr. Faith Adole, U-VOL Foundation is a U.S.-based international nonprofit dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in underserved communities worldwide. Through medical outreach, health education, clean water initiatives, and women’s empowerment, U-VOL is committed to sustainable, community-driven solutions that promote health equity and empower the next generation of global health leaders. For more information, visit www.u-volfoundation.org.
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In the world of global leadership, transformation is the bedrock of progress, impact, results, and legacy. There’s absolutely no amplification for success without including transformational leadership in the complete equation. Are you ready for your ultimate transformation in order to become a more effective leader?
After a stellar debut in Houston last year, Legacy Consults (a global consulting agency with a focus on providing “neuroscience-based solutions to boost team performance and drive organizational success”) will present the second edition of the Transformational Leadership Colloquium on Saturday, March 29th from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at RCCG King’s Palace (5371 E. 5th Street) in Katy. The theme for this year’s conference is “Architects of the Future: Execution-Driven Leadership”.
Furthermore, the colloquium aligns with the organization’s ongoing focus on “fostering a borderless community of transformational leaders who don’t just adapt to change, but actively create it.” This year’s colloquium will feature award-winning neurologist, researcher and the colloquium convener, Dr. Niyi Borire, alongside confirmed co-hosts Debola Deji-Kurumni (founder and CEO of Immerse Coaching) and purpose coach, minister and author Dr. Samuel Ekundayo.
Additionally confirmed panelists and workshop facilitators for this year’s colloquium include Dr. Harry Akinola, Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo, Pastor Tunde Badru, and Dana Dawsey. Following the main delegation of the colloquium, an exclusive VIP session will take place at 4:00 PM for individuals seeking deeper, high-level engagement. The private session will grant direct access to some of the most influential minds in leadership.
Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge and guidance to advance their leadership skills through all of the curated presentations, networking activities, and crafted professional workshops. Furthermore, according to the event organizers, the Transformational Leadership Colloquium will help all attendees gain:
- Cutting-edge leadership strategies to navigate complexity and change
- Master-level mentorship skills to develop and empower the next generation
- Vision execution frameworks to turn ideas into lasting institutional change
- Powerful global networks for collaboration, growth, and long-term impact
- Self-awareness and resilience to lead with clarity and confidence
Established in 2023, the Transformational Leadership Colloquium kicked off its inaugural run in Dallas, Texas, and has been featured in other notable cities, including Atlanta, Vancouver, and Regina, Canada. This year, the conference will also take place in Toronto, Canada, on April 5th. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for parking, registration check-in, and seating assignments.
Tickets for this year’s colloquium are now available on the organization’s official website. To learn more about the Transformational Leadership Colloquium and Legacy Consults, please visit the official website online at www.TheTransformativeLeader.org and the official social media page on Instagram (@LegacyConsults).
- Judge rules pro-Palestinian student and permanent US resident cannot be detained - March 27, 2025
- Driving Revenue Growth and Efficiency: The Agenda of Change in African Government Agencies - March 27, 2025
- U-VOL Foundation Celebrates 10th Anniversary Gala to Advance Global Health Equity - March 27, 2025
Judge rules pro-Palestinian student and permanent US resident cannot be detained
Driving Revenue Growth and Efficiency: The Agenda of Change in African Government Agencies
