September 19, 2025

“The NAACP CA/HI State Conference demands for Governor Newsom to sign the 2025 California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) Road to Repair Bill Package. This package represents a historic opportunity for California to move from promises to action, delivering long overdue justice to the descendants of enslaved people. The Road to Repair legislation is designed to tackle systemic inequities across education, housing, land ownership, and reparative opportunities. AB 7 (Bryan) opens pathways to higher education through admissions preference for descendants of slavery. AB 57 (McKinnor) ensures access to housing funds that help build generational wealth. AB 62 (McKinnor) addresses the legacy of land theft by mandating investigations into racially motivated eminent domain, with the possibility of restitution or compensation.

The package of bills also strengthens California’s capacity to administer reparations fairly and effectively. SB 437 (Weber Pierson) funds research to verify descendant status, while SB 518 (Weber Pierson) establishes the Bureau for Descendants of American Slavery, creating the infrastructure necessary to implement reparations statewide. The NAACP CA/HI State Conference urges Governor Newsom to act without delay. 

California has the opportunity to lead the nation by advancing a historic and long-overdue path to reparations for the descendants of enslaved people. Together, we can make this vision a reality..”

—  Rick L. Callender, NAACP CA/HI State Conference President