Approved as to Form and Legality
DRAFT
________________________
City Attorney’s Office
OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. _______________ C.M.S.
INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER TREVA REID
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 1403
(BRADFORD, D.) WHICH WOULD ESTABLISH AN AGENCY TO IMPLEMENT
THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE ON REPARATIONS FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS, INCLUDING CONFIRMING INDIVIDUALS’
DESCENT STATUS
WHEREAS, the City of Oakland has taken serious steps to align with the advancement of racial equity, including the following actions:
WHEREAS, in 2023, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 89886 CMS in support of the recommendations identified in the final report from the California Task Force to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans; and WHEREAS, in 2022, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 89249 CMS declaring racism a public health crisis and reaffirming the city’s commitment to advancing racial equity; and WHEREAS, in 2020, the Oakland City Council adopted resolution 88275 CMS in support of Assembly Bill 3121 (Weber) which would establish the task force to study and develop reparation proposals for African Americans; and
WHEREAS, SB 1403 (Bradford), aims to address the historic injustices and ongoing disparities faced by African Americans in California; and WHEREAS, the bill seeks to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency to implement recommendations from the Task Force on Reparations for African Americans; and WHEREAS, SB 1403 mandates the agency to develop policies and programs that confirm individuals' descent status and eligibility for reparations; and WHEREAS, the bill requires the agency to administer reparations, including the distribution of compensation or benefits to eligible individuals and communities; and WHEREAS, SB 1403 emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and rectifying systemic discrimination and racial injustices through targeted policies and initiatives; and WHEREAS, the establishment of the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency aims to provide a framework for addressing historical injustices and promoting racial equity in California; and
WHEREAS, the bill aligns with principles of justice, equality, and reconciliation, essential for healing and advancing social cohesion; and
WHEREAS, SB 1403 promotes transparency and accountability in the administration of reparations, ensuring equitable distribution and impact; and WHEREAS, the Task Force on Reparations for African Americans has identified the need for a dedicated agency to oversee and implement their recommendations effectively; and RESOLVED that the City Council supports SB 1403 (Bradford) and urges its passage to establish the California American Freedmen Affairs Agency and implement comprehensive reparations for African Americans in California; and
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the City Council directs the City Administrator or his designee to immediately distribute this Resolution upon its adoption to Governor Gavin Newsom and State Senator Steven Bradford.
IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES - -FIFE, GALLO, JENKINS, KALB, KAPLAN, RAMACHANDRAN, REID, AND
PRESIDENT FORTUNATO BAS
NOES –
ABSENT –
ABSTENTION –
ATTEST: ________________________________________
ASHA REED
City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the
City of Oakland, California