Newsom signs law to return California land seized from black family 100 years ago

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that allows prominent beachfront property to be returned to the descendants of a black couple who were kicked out of town a century ago after racial harassment of the Ku Klux Klan and White Neighbors.

Senate Bill 796 was enacted Thursday before an enthusiastic crowd at the Manhattan Beach site confirming that the city’s take over of the Bruce property was racially motivated and under false and illegal pretexts, according to the LA 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 law says, “and it is in the public interest of the State of California. , the County of Los Angeles, the City of Manhattan Beach and the people of the State of California to 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 the majority of beaches.

The owners and their guests became targets of the KKK, which 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 letting air escape their tires.

In 1924, the city condemned the area and seized over 20 properties by prominent estate – justifying the move by saying there was an urgent need for a public park. The empty parcel was transferred to the state in 1948 and then to LA County in 1995.

The bill’s author, State Senator Steven Bradford, said the new law is a first step towards correcting many injustices in the state and the country.

“This bill sets the tone for the future of repairs in California. If you can inherit generational wealth, you can inherit generational debt, ”Bradford said.

“The city of Manhattan Beach owes the Bruce family a debt. The State of California owes a debt to the Bruce family, and Los Angeles County owes the Bruce family – and our governor is here today to sign this bill to pay that debt to the Bruce family, ”he said. added.

Anthony Bruce, the family’s great-great-grandson, read a prayer during the ceremony.

“The Bruces found mercy in the unwavering love of Jesus Christ,” he said.

Newsom suggested Thursday’s decision could prompt broader reparations.

“It can be catalytic. What we do here today can be done and replicated anywhere else, ”he said.

With post wires