As the country continues to confront a history of racial injustice, deeply rooted in the legacy of slavery and systemic racism, Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 7 appointed five individuals to serve on the newly formed Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The formation of this task force was made possible by the governor’s signing of Assembly Bill 3121, authored by then-Assemblywoman Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), which established a nine-member task force to inform Californians about slavery and explore ways the state might provide reparations.

“California is leading the nation, in a bipartisan way, on the issue of reparations and racial justice, which is a discussion that is long overdue and deserves our utmost attention,” Newsom said. “Last year, I signed into law a number of key bills focused on leveling the playing field in our society and ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at achieving the California dream. Today’s appointment of individuals with an expansive breadth of knowledge, experiences and understanding of issues impacting the African-American community is the next step in our commitment as a state to build a California for all.”

The five individuals selected by the governor to serve on this task force represent diverse backgrounds and meet the statutes required by law, which include choosing one candidate from the field of academia with expertise in civil rights and an additional two appointees selected from major civil society and reparations organizations that have historically championed the cause of reparatory justice. Other key factors considered for committee candidates included a background in economics and community development, health and psychology, law and criminal justice, faith-based and community activism, and an expertise in the historic achievement of reparatory justice.

The other four members of the task force will be appointed by the Legislature, with two appointed by the Assembly and two by the state Senate.

Newsom appointed Cheryl N. Grills, 62, of Inglewood; the Rev. Amos C. Brown, 80, of San Francisco; Lisa Holder, 49, of Los Angeles; Donald K. Tamaki, 69, of Piedmont; and Jovan S. Lewis, 38, of Berkeley. All five are Democrats.

The task force will select their own chair and vice chair, and their work will be staffed by the attorney general’s office. Members will meet over the next year and conclude their work with a written report on their findings, along with recommendations which will be provided to the Legislature.