Controversy Surrounds Reparations Proposals in California

Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert criticized San Francisco's proposed reparations plan for Black residents, arguing that California "never had slavery." However, historians have said evidence suggests slaves were brought into California during the Gold Rush years despite state law outlawing slavery. The proposal would give $5 million to each eligible Black person, and if approved, San Francisco would become the first large city in the nation to fund reparations. Many conservatives oppose the plan, including Boebert, who believes it will worsen the racial divide in the country.