Townhall Community Meeting

Townhall Community Meeting: A Powerful Call for Reparations and Community Uplift

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the EECI Steven Bradford Global Communications Center in Gardena, California, hosted a dynamic and inspiring townhall meeting. The event, titled "Reparations...If Not Now, When???," brought together influential leaders, community advocates, and non-profit organizations from across District 35th in support of Senator Steven Bradford’s groundbreaking efforts for reparations for African Americans in California.

The panel featured a powerhouse lineup, including Kamilah Moore, an Entertainment and IP Attorney as well as Chairperson of the California Reparations Task Force; Tiffany Quarles, Vice President of the Coalition For A Just and Equitable California (CJEC) and Co-Chair of the Lineage Equity and Advancement Project (LEAP); Barbara J. Stanton, Executive Director of EECI; and a host of other respected leaders, including Earl “Skip” Cooper from The Black Business Association and Andre Joseph of the Young Gentlemen’s Foundation. Each speaker offered compelling insights into the path forward for reparations and the critical need to address the historical injustices faced by Black communities in California.

Councilmember Tim McOsker and Jenny Krusoe from AltaSea underscored the importance of community solidarity in the fight for reparations. Their testimonials, along with others presented during the event, showcased the real-world impact of Senator Bradford’s tireless work in securing resources for vital community programs. From education and economic support to health initiatives, his accomplishments are deeply felt by those in attendance and beyond.

One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring address by Kamilah Moore, whose deep expertise in reparatory justice and law has made her a leading voice in the movement. Moore emphasized the significance of Senator Bradford’s work in laying the foundation for reparations not just at a state level, but also as a potential model for national efforts. She praised the senator’s unwavering dedication, despite internal challenges within the California Legislative Black Caucus, and rejected the notion that delays in progress were his fault.

The townhall served as a powerful platform to amplify Senator Bradford’s call for justice. His proposal represents not only a moral obligation but also an economic and social imperative to repair the damage done to generations of Black families. The event made clear that this is a collective movement with deep community roots, bolstered by organizations like Angels for Sight and Just Work Inc., which continue to provide essential services to the underserved.

Barbara Stanton, Executive Director of EECI, closed the event with a moving tribute to the power of unity and resilience. She highlighted the transformative potential of Senator Bradford’s proposal and the widespread benefits it could bring to communities across California. The sentiment echoed by all was one of urgency—if not now, when?

In the end, the townhall was more than just a meeting; it was a call to action. The overwhelming support for reparations at the event reflected a shared understanding that addressing these historical wrongs is long overdue. As Senator Bradford continues to champion this cause, the community stands firmly behind him, ready to take the next steps toward justice and equity.

With figures like Bradford and organizations like the EECI leading the charge, the movement for reparations in California is gaining undeniable momentum, offering hope for a more just and equitable future.