When California became a state in 1850, it entered the union as a state that would not allow slavery. That's the history most people know. But in reality, California did allow slavery and its early leaders sided with the South and the rights of enslavers through a litany of early laws. The effects of that racist foundation are still being felt by people of color in California today.

Additional Reading:

•  California Celebrates Its History As a 'Free State.' But There Was Slavery Here
• KQED coverage of the Reparations Task Force work
• Stacey L. Smith discusses California's legacy of slavery on Forum
• Gold Chains: The Hidden History of Slavery in California (ACLU podcast)

Reported by Otis Taylor and Lakshmi Sarah. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Katrina Schwartz, Sebastian Miño-Bucheli and Brendan Willard. Additional support from Kyana Moghadam, Jessica Placzek, Natalia Aldana, Carly Severn, Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, Ethan Lindsey, Vinnee Tong and Jenny Pritchett.

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