On Friday, more than 150 community leaders, students, and grassroots advocates gathered on the West Steps of the California State Capitol, calling on state lawmakers to pass AB 7, the Legacy of Harm & Exclusion Consideration Act, and demanding that Governor Newsom sign it into law.
Led by the Alliance of Boys and Men of color, in partnership with California Black Power Network, Black Lives Matter Grassroots, UC Student Association, California Association of Black Lawyers, California Faculty Association, the Social Justice Learning Institute, and others, the rally underscored the urgent need to repair historic harms in higher education by ensuring fair access for those who have been systematically excluded.
“AB 7 is about addressing a legacy of exclusion that continues to shape who gets access to opportunity in California,” said Kristin Nimmers, Policy Manager with the California Black Power Network. “By recognizing those historically harmed and excluded in admissions, we can begin to close gaps that have existed for generations and take a meaningful step toward true equity in higher education.”
“Our young people deserve a future unburdened by the barriers of the past,” said Derek Steele, Executive Director of the Social Justice Learning Institute. “AB 7 is not just about admissions—it’s about acknowledging the historic exclusions that have shaped higher education and ensuring that descendants of slavery finally have a fair path forward. This bill is about creating opportunity where injustice has closed doors for far too long.”
Speakers highlighted the stark underrepresentation of Black students in California’s university systems, stressing that AB 7 is a critical part of the 2025 Road to Repair legislative package.
Dr. Melina Abdullah, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, called directly on Governor Newsom: “California cannot claim to be a leader in equity while denying this basic step toward repair. Signing AB 7 is not optional—it’s a moral imperative.”
The rally featured powerful visuals, with advocates holding signs, chanting alongside students, and calling for justice on the Capitol steps. The movement continued late afternoon when advocates marched in a ceremonial procession to the Governor’s office urging him to act on this pivotal legislation.