A Reparations News series · 5 parts

Forcing the Vote

The Black Caucus playbook for reparations

“Without a governor willing to champion payment, any compensation bill depends on the Legislative Black Caucus forcing the issue — and on leadership agreeing to bring it to a vote.”

1. 01

   Who Is the California Legislative Black Caucus? The Bloc Carrying the Reparations Fight

   With a new governor who won't push payment, the caucus that wrote California's reparations laws now decides whether a compensation bill ever reaches a vote.

   
2. 02

   Why Reparations Cash Bills Die Without a Vote — and How the Black Caucus Can Force One

   Committees, the suspense file and leadership control kill compensation bills quietly. Here are the tools a small caucus can use to force the vote.

   
3. 03

   Black Caucuses and Reparations Bills in Other States: New York, Illinois, Maryland and More

   California is not alone. Statehouse Black caucuses are pushing reparations commissions and bills — and running into the same leadership and governor walls.

   
4. 04

   From Sacramento to Washington: How State Black Caucus Wins Build the Case for H.R. 40

   State caucuses can only repair state harms. Here's how their wins feed the Congressional Black Caucus and the federal reparations claim.

   
5. 05

   How to Get Involved in Reparations: Contact Your Lawmaker and the Black Caucus

   Find your lawmaker, use a call script that works, testify at a hearing and follow the budget calendar that decides whether reparations bills live or die.