California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law allowing the return of prime beach property to the descendants of a black couple who left the city a century ago as a result of racial persecution by the Ku Klux Klan and its white neighbors Were.
Senate Bill 796, enacted Thursday before an enthusiastic crowd at the Manhattan Beach site, confirms that the city’s Bruce property was racially motivated and under a bogus and illegal pretext, according to the LA Times. .
“The land in the city of Manhattan Beach, which was illegally taken from Willa and Charles Bruce, must be returned to their surviving descendants,” the law says, “and it is in the public interest of the State of California. , California County. , and the State of California, and the State of California, to the State of California. The residents of Los Angeles, the city of Manhattan Beach and the state of California do so. “
The family, who bought the property in 1912, built the first resort for blacks on the West Coast at a time when segregation barred them from most beaches.
The owner and his guests were targeted by the KKK, who attempted to burn down the complex. Their white neighbors also harassed the couple and customers by putting up false “10 minutes only” parking signs and blowing air on their tires.
In 1924, the city denounced the neighborhood and confiscated more than 20 properties per prominent estate – justifying the move by asserting an urgent need for a public park. The vacant land was transferred to the state in 1948 and then to LA County in 1995.
State Senator Steven Bradford, the author of the bill, said the new law is the first step towards correcting many injustices in the state and the country.
“This bill sets the tone for future repairs in California. If you can get generational money, you can get generational debt, ”Bradford said.
“The city of Manhattan Beach is indebted to the Bruce family. The State of California owes the Bruce family, and Los Angeles County owes the Bruce family – and our governor rightfully signed this bill today to pay this debt to the Bruce family. are there to do it. added.
The family’s great-grandson, Anthony Bruce, read a prayer during the ceremony.
“Bruce finds mercy in the everlasting love of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Newsom suggested Thursday’s decision could lead to a broader reassessment.
“It could be the catalyst. What we do here today can be done and replicated elsewhere, ”he said.
post with wires
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