Jones-Sawyer Expects Slavery Apology Plaque to Go Up After Capitol Construction

April 29, 2026

California plans to install a plaque in the State Capitol building that will display the state's formal apology for its historical involvement in slavery and systemic racism against Black residents. The plaque stems from Assembly Bill 3089, which former Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer authored and Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law in September 2024, acknowledging California's enforcement of fugitive slave laws despite joining the Union as a free state. Installation awaits completion of the Capitol East Annex Project and determination of an appropriate location that complies with state regulations, with the California Department of General Services requesting $500,000 for the memorial project.

Who is affected

Black Californians (primary group affected by the historical harms being acknowledged)
Former Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer (author of AB 3089)
California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) members
Governor Gavin Newsom
California Department of General Services (DGS)
Young people and visitors to the State Capitol building
California Native Americans (referenced in relation to separate proposed legislation AB 2115)
Assemblymember James Ramos

What action is being taken

The California Department of General Services has submitted a $500,000 funding request to the Legislature for creating and installing the plaque
Construction of the State Capitol East Annex Project is ongoing
Officials are discussing and determining the ideal location for the plaque within the Capitol building
Former Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer is pursuing a doctorate at USC Price School of Public Policy

Why it matters

This represents California's first formal state-level acknowledgment of its role in perpetuating slavery and systemic racism against Black residents, despite joining the Union as a "free state." The legislation addresses the state's historical enforcement of fugitive slave laws and creates an official acceptance of responsibility for promoting and permitting slavery and its lasting legacy of racial disparities. While symbolic rather than providing the direct cash payments recommended by the California Reparations Task Force, the apology and plaque serve as what Jones-Sawyer describes as a necessary foundation for healing and future reparative action. The memorial will provide an educational opportunity for all Capitol visitors to learn about this history and understand why such injustices should never be repeated.

What's next

The plaque installation will proceed after the State Capitol East Annex Project construction is completed
Officials will finalize the authorized location within the Capitol facility that complies with state regulations
The plaque project will occur over at least two fiscal cycles following legislative approval of the $500,000 funding request
Officials will determine the final configuration of the memorial (bronze plaque, encased papers, or other format)

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint