Black LA beach resort seized in 1924 returned to owners’ family

A LOS ANGELES beachfront property seized from a black couple during an era of racial segregation has been returned to their descendants after 100 years.

The property was bought in 1912 by Charles and Willa Bruce and transformed into a resort that other black families could visit without facing harassment.

But in 1924, officials voted to seize the land, home to their business Bruce’s Beach, claiming to need it for a public park. The couple launched legal action but that failed and they were paid $14,500 (about £3,700 at the time) in compensation.

LA county officials yesterday voted to return the land to their relatives in an effort to “right the wrongs of the past”. The great-great grandchildren of the Bruces have been offered the 2,130 sq ft plot, which is valued at $20million.

“It is well documented that this move was a racially motivated attempt to drive out the successful black business and its patrons,” the LA County Board of Supervisors said last week.

Now, following a unanimous vote, the authority is transferring the land to the descendents, and will rent it back from them for $413,000 (£340,600) a year while maintaining a lifeguard training facility at the site. The family has the option to sell the plot to the county for its estimated value.

Anthony Bruce, 39, a great-great grandson of Charles and Willa, said it was a “bittersweet” moment. “On one hand, it’s the answer to our prayers,” he said. “It’s the relief that we’ve been waiting for. But on the other hand, it’s a reminder of the terrible and tragic events that took place before this happened.”

George Fatheree III, a lawyer representing the Bruces, said that the move is believed to be the first time in American history that a black family has had property returned to them by the government.

“I believe that this should be the beginning,” he said.

“Let this be the drop that creates the ripple that creates the wave that creates the tsunami that covers the country.”