California’s Black Pioneers: The Descendants’ Fight for Restitution
Descendants of former slaves who were forced to mine for gold and buy land in California, only for it to be stolen or seized from them, are now calling for a reckoning.
Staff Editor | California’s earliest Black settlers were former slaves who came to the Golden State in search of a better life. Unfortunately, they found that their hard-earned money was not enough to protect them from injustice and racism. They bought land only for it to be stolen or seized by white people without any legal recourse or compensation. Now, centuries later, the descendants of these early Black settlers are demanding justice and restitution for this wrong done against their ancestors. They are calling on California lawmakers to recognize the historical theft of property from African Americans and take steps toward returning what was taken away so long ago. The state has already begun taking some action in response to new legislation that would require local governments across California to identify properties confiscated during Jim Crow era laws targeting African Americans and provide financial assistance for those affected by such injustices today. It is hoped that this will begin a process of healing that recognizes past wrongs while also providing much-needed economic security for future generations of Californians whose families have been denied access due basic rights like owning land since before statehood itself began over 150 years ago. Read more at NBC News |
