Black Activists Threaten Kamala Harris with Political Fallout Following Dems’ Rejection of Reparations Legislation

Black activists in California have warned of a potential “direct impact” on Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign following the state assembly’s decision to delay two critical bills aimed at advancing slavery reparations.

Senate Bills 1403 and 1331, which proposed legislation establishing a fund and agency to oversee reparation efforts, were left out after a contentious debate.

Last week, the California legislature passed measures to return seized land, compensate families affected by government actions, and issue a formal apology for discriminatory laws and practices.

However, these bills did not include direct payments to African Americans. Activists expressed frustration as state lawmakers failed to advance SB 1403 and SB 1331, intended to provide more comprehensive reparation solutions.

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, right, talks to members of Coalition for a Just and Equitable California about two reparations bills in the rotunda on the last day of the legislative year Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Tran Nguyen)

During a heated protest on the last legislative day, Coalition for a Just and Equitable California members demanded that the bills be returned for a vote. “The speaker needs to bring the bills up now.

These are their bills. They’re killing their bills because they’re scared of the governor,” one activist declared. Another added that the delay would impact Harris’ presidential bid, stating, “The governor needs to understand the world is watching California, and this is going to have a direct impact on your friend Kamala Harris, who is running for president.”

BREAKING: Black Californians are threatening to withhold their vote from Kamala Harris after the State's Democrat lawmakers decided not to give them slavery reparations

“This is going to impact your friend, Kamala Harris, who's running for president.”

Black Democrats are… pic.twitter.com/rWHC8FXjP0

— George (@BehizyTweets) September 1, 2024

State Senator Steven Bradford, who sponsored the bills, indicated that the legislation stalled due to concerns that Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom would veto them.

“We owe it to our ancestors,” Bradford said, expressing disappointment over the setback. California Legislative Black Caucus Chair Assemblymember Lori Wilson acknowledged that more work was needed on the proposals and emphasised that it would be a multiyear effort.

Governor Newsom has yet to comment on the specific bills but signed a budget in June that allocated up to $12 million for reparations initiatives without detailing how the funds would be used. His administration has indicated opposition to some aspects of the proposals. Newsom has until September 30 to decide on the bills that passed.

Members of Coalition for a Just and Equitable California demand lawmakers take up a vote on two reparations bills in the rotunda on the last day of the legislative year Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Tran Nguyen)

Democratic Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, who sponsored a bill for a formal apology, reflected on his family’s history, including his uncle’s involvement in the “Little Rock Nine” integration efforts.

“I think my grandmother, my grandfather, would be extremely proud of what we are going to do today,” Jones-Sawyer said.

Earlier this year, Newsom signed legislation creating a task force to study reparations proposals, the first of its kind in the nation. The task force’s final report included over 100 recommendations for lawmakers.

Additionally, Newsom approved a law requiring data collection on student performance by race and gender to address educational disparities, part of a broader reparations package.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.