In a landmark move celebrated by reparations advocates and social justice leaders across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom authorized the return of a property known as Bruce’s Beach to the descendants of a black couple who had been kicked out of Manhattan Beach nearly a century ago.
Senate Bill 796, enacted Thursday by Newsom, confirms that the city’s takeover of this waterfront land – on which the Bruces ran a thriving black beach-goer resort – was racially motivated and carried out under pretext false and illegal.
Anthony Bruce, center, is the great-great-grandson of Charles and Willa Bruce, the couple who were kicked out of the country. Bruce spoke at a press conference in Manhattan Beach with Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday. removes his mask before speaking at a press conference where California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 796, authorizing the return of oceanfront lands to the Bruce family.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
“As governor of California, let me do what Manhattan Beach apparently doesn’t want to do: I want to apologize to the Bruce family.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
State Senator Steven Bradford (D-Los Angeles), left, Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Anthony Bruce attend Thursday’s press conference in Manhattan Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Bruce’s Beach was once one of the most important black-owned seaside resorts.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A photograph of Charles and Willa Bruce in front of a commemorative plaque at Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
“The land in the city of Manhattan Beach, which was illegally taken from Willa and Charles Bruce, should be returned to their living descendants,” the legislation reads, “and it is in the public interest of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, City of Manhattan Beach and the people of the State of California to do so. “
The descendants of Charles and Willa Bruce gathered in 2018 at Bruce’s Beach, Manhattan Beach, for a family reunion.
(Courtesy of Patricia Bruce-Carter)
“My heart, my mind, my soul have been there from the start. … It took daring courage. I have the power to continue this bold courage as I move forward in helping other Black families achieve restorative and restorative justice. ”
Kavon Ward, who championed the cause through his popular Justice for Bruce’s Beach movement
Activist Kavon Ward was raised and recognized by Governor Gavin Newsom, before signing SB 796, authorizing the return of oceanfront lands to the Bruce family in Manhattan Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
A couple sits on the Rescue Tower between 26th and 27th Streets at Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A park now occupies the property that belonged to the Bruce family over a century ago in Manhattan Beach.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A man and woman train with boxing equipment outside the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Training Center, just below Bruce’s Beach Park in Manhattan Beach.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Selron Bowdry and Kayla Taft watch the sunset at Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach.
(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
The sun sets behind a commemorative plaque in a park adjacent to Bruce’s Beach. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill earlier today returning the land to the Bruce family,
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
