Bruce’s Beach Land Set To Be Returned To Family Of Black Owners
Prime beachfront real estate in Southern California can now be returned to its rightful owners.
Almost a century ago, the land was taken by the city of Manhattan Beach.
Known as Bruce’s Beach back in the day, the resort had offered Black families a place to enjoy the California life and was a labor of love for owners Charles and Willa Bruce. But harassment from White neighbors and the Ku Klux Klan tore away at their dreams.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn told reporters that when scare tactics didn’t work, Manhattan Beach declared eminent domain in 1924. The couple eventually were paid about $14,125. They died just five years later.
The city wanted the land for a park. Today, the property is now a park with a lawn, parking lot and a lifeguard training facility.
The property was transferred from Manhattan Beach to the state and Los Angeles County in 1995.
On Thursday, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that will enable the county to return the beachfront property to their descendants.
According to CNN, officials said the two lots are worth approximately $75 million in total. The houses directly next to the property have hefty price tags of around $7 million each.
The new law was authored by Sen. Steve Bradford, who sits on the state’s newly formed reparations task force.
“This is what reparations look like,” said Bradford, insisting that the county is not giving anything to the Bruce family, yet simply returning their stolen property.
The Bruces purchased the land for $1,225 in 1912, and built several facilities, including a cafe and changing rooms.
It was one of the few beaches where Black residents could go because so many other local beaches did not permit Black beachgoers.
“The law was used to steal this property 100 years ago, and the law today will give it back,” said Hahn.
The family spokesperson states, “I am hopeful that the people in California will see the importance of trying to right this wrong.”
