California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed several bills to address the state’s history of racial discrimination, including a formal apology for its “role in the perpetuation of slavery.”
“The State of California accepts responsibility for the role we played in promoting, facilitating, and permitting the institution of slavery, as well as its enduring legacy of persistent racial disparities. Building on decades of work, California is now taking another important step forward in recognizing the grave injustices of the past – and making amends for the harms caused,” Newsom said in a statement .
The state’s Legislative Black Caucus joined Newsom as he signed Thursday’s bills.
Along with a formal apology for slavery and strengthening protections against discrimination, some of the key bills noted in the press release increase access to literature in prisons, address employment discrimination, college and career financial aid, mental health disparities, and food and medical deserts.