(SACRAMENTO, CA – 2/7/2024) – The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) today announced its endorsement of the groundbreaking work and final report of the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The report is endorsed by over 600 organizations, including the ACLU of Northern and Southern California, AAPI Equity Alliance, the California Endowment, and the NAACP.
The final report, released on June 29, 2023, is a comprehensive document highlighting the historical injustices and systemic discrimination faced by African Americans and marks a significant step towards acknowledging the need for reparations, effectively charting a course for redress in California. CAIR-CA recognizes the importance of addressing the lasting impacts of slavery, discrimination, and institutional racism on African American communities.
Recommendations made by the California Reparations Task Force include, but are not limited to, establishing and funding community wellness centers in African American communities, abolishing the death penalty, increasing funding to schools to address racial disparities, funding free tuition to California public colleges and universities, and addressing anti-Black discrimination in healthcare.
The California Reparations Task Force has diligently examined the complex issues surrounding the historical and ongoing racial disparities faced by African Americans in the state. CAIR-CA applauds the task force’s commitment to a thorough and inclusive process, which involved extensive community engagement, research, and thoughtful consideration of reparative measures.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“We stand in solidarity with the African American community and commend the groundbreaking work of the California Reparations Task Force. The report serves as a critical roadmap for addressing the enduring consequences of slavery and systemic racism. CAIR-CA believes that acknowledging and rectifying these historical injustices is essential to fostering a more equitable and just society for all.
“We take advantage of the start of February, a month designated as Black History Month, to encourage policymakers, community leaders, and the public to review the final report and engage in meaningful discussions about implementing reparative measures to address the historical and ongoing wrongs faced by African Americans in California.”
For more information on the final report from the California Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans, please visit the Office of the Attorney General’s website.
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-SV/CC Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Omar Altamimi, oaltamimi@cair.com, (916) 438-9049
