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By Eric Johnson
Published Feb 10, 2025

Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus look on as Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a formal apology for the state's role in the perpetuation of slavery.
Members of the California Legislative Black Caucus look on as Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a formal apology for the state's role in the perpetuation of slavery.

Black History and Equity in California

To celebrate Black History Month last year, then-Managing Editor Sharan Street worked with freelance writer Ray Delgado to compile a list of prominent Black Californians throughout the state’s history. What started as a Top Ten list grew to include 20, and then 30 men and women who helped make California a fairer and more equitable place. It’s a great read and you’ll find it below. 

But first, I want to reach back into the state’s very recent history—in fact, back just a few months to last September—when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a raft of bills brought to him by the Legislative Black Caucus. Among the bills that became law that day were several explicitly designed to celebrate California’s diversity, to deliver equity to people of color, and to make the state more inclusive.

Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, Chair of the Black Caucus, issued a statement that served as a reminder that much of the legislation had originated in the California Reparations Task Force. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this critical set of Reparations Bills,” Wilson said,  “which lay a meaningful foundation to address the historic injustices faced by Black Californians.”

This was a big win for Black Californians and all Californians. But the bigger news that day was that the governor signed a formal apology for “California’s historical role in the perpetuation of slavery and its enduring legacy.”

The bill that mandated that apology was passed with bipartisan support—unanimously. 

Apparently here in California, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survive. On both sides of the aisle. This week, as DEI efforts are under attack elsewhere, let's keep hope alive.

BTW: The last line of the governor's statement reads as follows: “The State of California commits to restore and repair affected peoples with actions beyond this apology.” 

30 African Americans Who Made History in California

This listicle goes back to the 19th Century, when Mary Ellen Pleasant helped establish California’s Underground Railroad, and includes names you might not know—Hettie B. Tilghman, Augustus Freeman Hawkins, and dozens of others whose stories are compelling. You will also find familiar names, from Maya Angelou to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, whose stories are inspiring and even a little surprising.

California Pioneers

Clockwise from upper right: Architect Paul R. Williams, Assemblyman Frederick Madison Roberts, abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, and Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley (with President Gerald Ford).
Black History Month provides an opportunity to remember the achievements of African Americans who fought for equality in the Golden State.

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Recipe of the Week

Our friends at Sacramento Digs Gardening publish a recipe from their gardens every Sunday, which we feature here so you can start your week with some yum.

See more recipes in their Taste Winter! cookbook.

Mix up fresh citrus for this super salsa

Mixed chopped citrus pieces make a bright and lively salsa. Serve it at a meal with meats or Southwestern dishes, or with tortilla chips for an appetizer.
New! Citrus salsa with fresh orange, mandarin, kumquat and lime

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