LOS ANGELES — Juneteenth celebrations in Los Angeles included the release of findings by the city’s Reparations Advisory Commission from their Black Experience study, conducted by Cal State Northridge.

The study highlighted significant harms endured by Black Angelenos in areas such as housing, economic wealth and law enforcement.

Principal investigator Dr. Marquita Gammage emphasized that the community prioritizes addressing these issues over symbolic gestures like apologies.

Diamond James, Director of the Office of Race and Equity — LA Civil Rights, discussed plans for collaborative sessions with residents to develop actionable policies based on the study’s findings.

The goal is to inform city departments, program targets and eligibility criteria to effectively address the needs of Black residents.

The recommendations will be presented to Mayor Karen Bass with the aim of being included in next year’s budget.