The Legacy of Senator Steven Bradford

For the past nine years, Senator Steven Bradford has been a prominent figure in the movement for reparations, both as the Vice President of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) and a vocal advocate for policies that address historical injustices faced by African Americans. He has played a crucial role in shaping the state's discussions on reparations and how to rectify the long-lasting effects of slavery.

Several years ago, the California Black Caucus secured a $12 million grant dedicated to studying reparations and developing actionable recommendations. However, after three years of research, the Caucus has stated that more time is needed to fully assess the complexities of the issue. They have now requested an additional three years of study, prolonging the wait for tangible reparative action. This delay has frustrated many descendants of enslaved people who feel their concerns are being deferred once again.

When Senator Bradford proposed a motion to expedite the process, it met with resistance from members of the CLBC, who disagreed with his sense of urgency. Despite the internal disagreements, Senator Bradford chose to take the high road, refraining from publicly criticizing his colleagues in the media. Unfortunately, this restraint was not mirrored by some of his peers, who were vocal in their opposition to his stance.

This situation raises an important question: Does the California Legislative Black Caucus truly represent the interests of all Black people in the state? For many, particularly those awaiting reparations, time is of the essence. Other communities, such as Japanese Americans—who received reparations for their internment during World War II—and Native Americans, stand in solidarity with the cause. For those seeking justice, waiting another three years is unacceptable.

Please visit the link below for The Legacy of Steven Bradford video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWNor203A7g&t=70s