150 Advocates Rally at Capitol Demanding Governor Newsom Sign AB 7 Into Law

Kristin Nimmers, Policy Manager with the California Black Power Network, speaks to a crowd of supporters at the State Capitol. California Black Power Network
Kristin Nimmers, Policy Manager with the California Black Power Network, speaks to a crowd of supporters at the State Capitol. California Black Power Network

150 Advocates Rally at Capitol Demanding Governor Newsom Sign AB 7 Into Law

SACRAMENTO, Calif., PRNewswire -- 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 California Black Power Network (CBPN), in partnership with Black Lives Matter Grassroots, UC Student Association, 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."

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 continues this afternoon at 3:30 PM, when advocates will march in a ceremonial procession to the Governor's office, joined by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, author of AB 7, who will deliver remarks and stand with community leaders in urging the Governor to act.

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