Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press
Descendants of Nelson Bell, brothers Milford Fonza, front left, and Elmer Fonza, front right, surrounded by extended family members, show their ancestors’ pictures in Glendora, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Family members standing from left: Trent Mure, with son Armani Mure, and his wife Tami Mure, William Woolery, Louie Hobbs and Carolyn Fonza.
Saturday, July 20, 2024 | 12:41 p.m.
COLOMA, Calif. — In a tiny town where the California gold rush began, Black families are seeking restitution for land that was taken from their ancestors to make way for a state park now frequented by fourth graders learning about the state’s history.
Their efforts in Coloma, a town of around 300 people that’s located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) northeast of Sacramento, are one of the latest examples of Black Americans urging the government to atone for practices that have kept them from thriving long after chattel slavery was abolished.
The Fight for Reparations
Debates over reparations for African Americans often come back to land. Reparations have historically been linked to the promise of giving formerly enslaved Black people up to 40 acres of land as restitution. The fight for reparations in Coloma sheds light on the ongoing struggle for justice and compensation for the African American community.
The fight in Coloma is taking place in a state where the governor signed a first-in-the-nation law to study reparations. However, advocates are urging the state to take more substantial actions to address historical injustices.
A Reckoning with History
Gold was discovered near Coloma in 1848, marking the beginning of the California gold rush that attracted people from various backgrounds. Unfortunately, Black and white families in Coloma had their land seized by the government, leading to the establishment of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. While the park showcases California’s history, the stories of Black families who once lived in Coloma have only recently started receiving recognition.
California State Parks initiated a program to investigate the history of Black property ownership in the region, aiming to present a more inclusive narrative of the state’s past. This effort has brought to light the struggles faced by families like the Fonza and Burgess clans, who are seeking reparations for the land taken from their ancestors.
Families Seeking Restitution
Elmer Fonza, a descendant of formerly enslaved Black man Nelson Bell, is advocating for the return of Bell’s land to his family. Similarly, Jonathan Burgess is fighting for compensation for the land owned by his ancestors in Coloma. The families are part of a larger movement demanding justice and reparations for the historical injustices faced by Black communities.
Cheryl Austin, another descendant of early Black settlers in Coloma, is seeking redress for the loss of her ancestors’ property. The struggle for restitution in Coloma highlights the enduring impact of land seizures on Black families and the need for accountability.
Legislation and Progress
California lawmakers are considering various reparations proposals, including the creation of agencies to assist Black residents in researching their heritage and reclaiming unjustly seized land. The efforts to address historical injustices through legislation reflect a broader national trend of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs committed against marginalized communities.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s allocation of funds for reparations legislation signifies a significant step towards addressing the legacy of discrimination and injustice faced by Black families in California. The state’s commitment to reparations underscores the importance of acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices for the well-being and prosperity of all residents.
Associated Press photographer Godofredo A. Vásquez contributed to this report.
Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press
Descendants of Nelson Bell, brothers Milford Fonza, front left, and Elmer Fonza, front right, surrounded by extended family members, show their ancestors’ pictures in Glendora, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Family members standing from left: Trent Mure, with son Armani Mure, and his wife Tami Mure, William Woolery, Louie Hobbs and Carolyn Fonza.
Saturday, July 20, 2024 | 12:41 p.m.
COLOMA, Calif. — In a tiny town where the California gold rush began, Black families are seeking restitution for land that was taken from their ancestors to make way for a state park now frequented by fourth graders learning about the state’s history.
Their efforts in Coloma, a town of around 300 people that’s located about 36 miles (58 kilometers) northeast of Sacramento, are one of the latest examples of Black Americans urging the government to atone for practices that have kept them from thriving long after chattel slavery was abolished.
The Fight for Reparations
Debates over reparations for African Americans often come back to land. Reparations have historically been linked to the promise of giving formerly enslaved Black people up to 40 acres of land as restitution. The fight for reparations in Coloma sheds light on the ongoing struggle for justice and compensation for the African American community.
The fight in Coloma is taking place in a state where the governor signed a first-in-the-nation law to study reparations. However, advocates are urging the state to take more substantial actions to address historical injustices.
A Reckoning with History
Gold was discovered near Coloma in 1848, marking the beginning of the California gold rush that attracted people from various backgrounds. Unfortunately, Black and white families in Coloma had their land seized by the government, leading to the establishment of the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. While the park showcases California’s history, the stories of Black families who once lived in Coloma have only recently started receiving recognition.
California State Parks initiated a program to investigate the history of Black property ownership in the region, aiming to present a more inclusive narrative of the state’s past. This effort has brought to light the struggles faced by families like the Fonza and Burgess clans, who are seeking reparations for the land taken from their ancestors.
Families Seeking Restitution
Elmer Fonza, a descendant of formerly enslaved Black man Nelson Bell, is advocating for the return of Bell’s land to his family. Similarly, Jonathan Burgess is fighting for compensation for the land owned by his ancestors in Coloma. The families are part of a larger movement demanding justice and reparations for the historical injustices faced by Black communities.
Cheryl Austin, another descendant of early Black settlers in Coloma, is seeking redress for the loss of her ancestors’ property. The struggle for restitution in Coloma highlights the enduring impact of land seizures on Black families and the need for accountability.
Legislation and Progress
California lawmakers are considering various reparations proposals, including the creation of agencies to assist Black residents in researching their heritage and reclaiming unjustly seized land. The efforts to address historical injustices through legislation reflect a broader national trend of acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs committed against marginalized communities.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s allocation of funds for reparations legislation signifies a significant step towards addressing the legacy of discrimination and injustice faced by Black families in California. The state’s commitment to reparations underscores the importance of acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices for the well-being and prosperity of all residents.
Associated Press photographer Godofredo A. Vásquez contributed to this report.
