In the early 1900’s it was nearly impossible for people of color to have a vacation. Charles and Willa Bruce decided to fill that gap and provide a luxury resort space, since Blacks would get turned away lots of times. So, they found a Manhattan Beach property in 1912 for $1,225. The California resort soon became a safe haven for Black people to enjoy.
The History of The Property
However, white locals weren’t thrilled. The idea of Black people in their space sparked harrassment and verbal abuse of the patrons. Ultimately leading up to the loss of the Bruce property in 1924, the city seized the land. Turning the beach into a public park, the government was able to essentially steal the Bruce’s property.
Clearly God don’t like ugly because the property just sat dormant for years and was eventually transferred to the state in 1948. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Bruce’s sued the government, and received $14,500. However, they never got their land back.
Ensuring The Property Was Shut Down
Believe it or not, in 1995, the property was seized again, by LA County. This time, the operations shut down the ability to sell or transfer the property.
However, on Thursday, the process of righting the wrongs of the past began. The $75 million property currently sits on two lots . Thus, after legislation was unanimously approved by state lawmakers, Gov. Gavin Nesom seemed to be happy signing the landmark bill into law.
Thankfully, the property is now in the hands of it’s rightful owners.