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The dream of land and homeownership has historically been a challenging pursuit for many African Americans, a struggle that began long ago and continues today. In 1924, a beach resort in Los Angeles emerged as a haven for Black individuals, providing access to recreational opportunities that were otherwise denied due to segregation. This is the story of one woman’s vision and the racial injustices that led to its confiscation.
A quick search reveals that Manhattan Beach, now part of Los Angeles County, is a family-friendly area popular with outdoor lovers. However, the history of how it became what it is today is often overlooked.
The Vision of Willa Bruce
In 1912, Willa Bruce purchased two acres of land for $1,225, determined to create a space for African Americans to enjoy. She established a lodge, café, and dining hall with the help of her husband, Charles, a dining-car chef. Prior attempts to acquire land for a beach resort had been met with refusal, which only strengthened her resolve. “We have been denied every time we tried to buy land for a beach resort,” she told the Los Angeles Times in 1912.
Eventually, a vibrant community of Black families built cottages by the shore, transforming Bruce’s Beach into a sanctuary reminiscent of today’s Martha’s Vineyard. However, in 1924, the government seized the land through eminent domain, claiming it would be developed into a public park, despite the community’s evident prosperity.
Facing Intimidation and Harassment
The local Black community faced intimidation from white residents who resisted their success, with accounts of harassment, including KKK activities. Writer Rosanna Xia noted instances where “fake ’10 minutes only’ parking signs were put up to deter Black visitors.”
A Step Towards Justice
To rectify this historical injustice, California’s legislature recently passed a bill to return Bruce’s Beach—now valued at around $75 million—to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce. This decision acknowledges the government’s previous complicity in supporting racist sentiments that ultimately dismantled a thriving community.
Although it took over a century for the state to recognize its error, the family of Willa and Charles Bruce regards it as a welcome, albeit delayed, acknowledgment. “It’s like if your family owned a lavish hotel and it was taken from you,” shared descendant Marcus Calloway in a past interview.
Historian and relative Duane Shepard expressed his elation with the news, stating, “I feel like I’m floating on air. This is a pivotal moment in American history.” While this recognition comes too late for Willa and Charles Bruce, it raises questions about how many other Black families are owed restitution for lost land.
Personal Reflections
In my own family, my grandparents instilled the importance of homeownership and education as irreplaceable assets. Unfortunately, the Bruce family’s experience starkly contrasts this belief. It’s time to address this long-standing injustice, even if Willa and Charles are not here to witness it.
Further Reading
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Summary
The California government is set to return Bruce’s Beach, a historic Black-owned resort, to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce, acknowledging the wrongful seizure of their land in 1924. This decision highlights the enduring struggle for justice and recognition of Black heritage in America.
Keyphrase: Bruce’s Beach restitution
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