Giving back Bruce’s Beach, representing vulnerable communities in digital spaces

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Charles and Willa Bruce bought a beachfront plot of land for about $1,000 in 1912. But in 1924, Manhattan Beach condemned and seized the land. Now Gov. Newsom has signed a law that transfers ownership of the parcel to Willa and Charles Bruce’s four remaining direct descendants.

Charles and Willa Bruce bought a beachfront plot of land for about $1,000 in 1912. But in 1924, Manhattan Beach condemned and seized the land. Now Gov. Newsom has signed a law that transfers ownership of the parcel to Willa and Charles Bruce’s four remaining direct descendants. Photo by Amy Ta.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a historic bill for California last week. Senate Bill 796 returns a parcel of land in Manhattan Beach, known as Bruce’s Beach, to the descendants of Willa and Charles Bruce. The Black couple bought the property in 1912, and ran a dancehall, cafe, and lodge on it. But by 1924, city officials condemned the land and forced the Bruces to sell and leave. Now, almost a century later, the ownership of the parcel will be transferred to Willa and Charles Bruce’s four remaining direct descendants. 

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From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Steve Chiotakis

Producers:

Christian Bordal, Jenna Kagel, Kathryn Barnes