Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Imprint
(SACRAMENTO, CA – 9/30/24) – The California chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent enactment of AB 3089 to formally apologize for the State of California’s role in chattel slavery.
SEE: Gavin Newsom signs bill formally apologizing for California’s role in chattel slavery
Authored by Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, AB 3089 formally recognizes and accepts responsibility for “all of the harms and atrocities committed by the state, its representatives thereof, and entities under its jurisdiction who promoted, facilitated, enforced, and permitted the institution of chattel slavery and the enduring legacy of ongoing badges and incidents from which the systemic structures of discrimination have come to exist.”
The bill will also require a plaque memorializing this apology to be installed and maintained at the State Capitol building.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“We stand in solidarity with the African American community and welcome the passage and signing of AB 3089. This bill represents a vital step toward acknowledging and amending California’s role in the profound injustices of chattel slavery and the enduring consequences of systematic racism that are still harming Black Californians to this day.
“CAIR-CA believes that acknowledging and rectifying these historical injustices is essential to fostering a more equitable and just society for all. AB 3089 stands as a testament to the state’s resolve to confront historical and ongoing harms and move toward a future where equity and justice are at the forefront of our policies.”
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-LA Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Communications Coordinator Madi Morse-Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com