Reparations in California

California stands at the forefront of the modern reparations movement. It is home to a great deal of activity surrounding efforts to make amends for historical and contemporary harms to Black and African-descended people. While located outside of the US South, the heart of the Confederacy, the Golden State benefited from the oppression of enslaved people, as well as the continued subjugation of Black people through the present day.This unique volume illuminates the historical context of Black Californians’ reparations activism, critically assesses diverse local- and state-level initiatives, and offers theoretical and practical strategies for advancing the cause to repair and redress these harms, including alternative forms of reparative justice. An expert group of contributors composed of scholars, elected officials, and grassroots organizers considers this important and timely subject from a variety of approaches and suggest pathways to effective appeals for policy interventions within the state. The editors’ and contributors’ goal is to actualize solutions and healing for African-descended communities in California, and to serve as models for this work across the country.This book will contribute significantly to public understanding and inform subnational reparations campaigns in the United States. It will be of great interest to scholars and students of racial & ethnic politics, Black/African American & ethnic studies, protest & social movements, California politics, and broadly in US government & democracy.