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Copyright, 1983
By Julian Bond
Black American political association
of California
Sacramento, California
October 8, 1983

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

It was over 125 years ago - in 1855 - that the first convention of California blacks was held in this state.

They met here, in Sacramento, in the colored methodist church, from November 20 through the 22, 1855.

In an "address to the people of California", a convention leader, J. H. Townsend of San Francisco, spelled out the greivances felt by California black people more than 100 years ago.

He said then:

^*1"The colored citizens of this commonwealth, would respectfully represent before you, their state and condition; and they respectfully ask a candid and careful investigation of facts in relation to their true character.

Most of us were born upon your soil; reared up under the influence of your institutions; become familiar with your manners and customs; acquired most of your habits, and adopted your policies. We yield allegiance to no other country save this. With all her faults we love her still.

Our forefathers were among the first who took up arms and