A couple is given a plot of land “Reparations” Los Angeles: Sells It Back for $20 Million

Bruce’s Beach is now in the hands of its heirs. California’s Manhattan Beach has sold the land to the county for $20million after they received it in an act of restorative Justice just over a decade ago.

The form of “Affairs” was given to the direct descendants of the black couple that were run off their land and businesses.reparationsAccording to LA County, it is ” 

Charles and Willa, a couple of blacks, purchased the plot of land in 1912 for $1,225. They then opened up a black-themed beach club. Los Angeles Times. These clubs were popular in Southern California during the period of segregation that kept blacks out. “whites-only” beaches.

After facing increasing pressure from racist groups and individuals, including the Ku Klux Klan in particular, the city officials declared the property eminent domain in 1924. They claimed that the land was needed to build a park. 

The following is an extract from the Los Angeles County websiteThe park was not built until almost 30 years later.

“It is well documented that the real reason behind the eminent domain process was racially motivated with the intention of bringing an end to the successful Black business and to thwart other African Americans from settling in or developing businesses in Manhattan Beach,” The government website reads. 

The county eventually forced the couple of blacks off their land and paid them $14,000, even though the plot was worth $70,000 according to the county. Daily Mail. The Bruces closed down their business at the end of the day.

Their family claims that they never recovered financially. LA County gave the land back to Marcus and Derrick Bruce’s direct descendants in July 2022. Derrick’s sons Anthony and Michael were also included.

“It destroyed their chance at the American Dream. I wish they could see what has happened today,” Anthony said this when the land was finally restored to him.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Bruces decided to cash in on the land.

The chair of Los Angeles Janice Hahn of the County Board of Supervisors stated that the sale of the land would help rebuild. “generational wealth” After the death of their great-grandparents, the family suffered a loss. 

“This fight has always been about what is best for the Bruce family, and they feel what is best for them is selling this property back to the county for nearly $20 million and finally rebuilding the generational wealth they were denied for nearly a century,” She spoke. 

“This is what reparations look like and it is a model that I hope government across the country will follow,” The official from the county added. 

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