Activism
California Family Whose Beachfront Properties were Seized 100 years ago, Sells Land Back to County for $20 Million
In the 1920s, the beach resort was extremely popular with African American tourists. At that time, Black people were not permitted on white beaches. The site became famously known as “Bruce’s Beach.” The children and grandchildren of Charles and Willa Bruce fought for decades to get back the land.
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire
The great-grandchildren of the African American couple Willa and Charles Bruce, whose land in Southern California was taken in 1924 and returned to the family last year, have opted to sell it back to the local government for $20 million.
In the 1920s, the beach resort was extremely popular with African American tourists. At that time, Black people were not permitted on white beaches.
The site became famously known as “Bruce’s Beach.”
The children and grandchildren of Charles and Willa Bruce fought for decades to get back the land.
Chief Duane Yellow Feather Shepard, a family historian and spokesman for the Bruce family, stated in a 2021 interview, “It was a very significant location because there was nowhere else along the California coast where African Americans could go to enjoy the water.”
The Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists often threatened the Bruce family, but they kept the resort open and took care of the land.
In 1924, the municipal council used eminent domain to take the land to build a park.
But, according to a TV show called “The Insider,” the area wasn’t used for many years.
Willa and Charles Bruce fought back in court, but their compensation was only $14,000. In recent years, local officials have estimated the property’s value to be as high as $75 million.
The area contains two coastal properties and is currently used for lifeguard training.
Janice Hahn, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, revealed that the family would sell the property back to the local government.
Hahn stated that the price was set through an appraisal.
Hahn stated, “This is what reparations look like, and it is a model I hope governments around the country would adopt.”
The statement made by Hahn may or may not be exactly what the Bruce family desired in addition to the restitution of their land.
In 2021, Anthony Bruce, the great-great-grandson of Willa and Charles Bruce, told The New York Times, “An apology would be the least they could do.”
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of October 28 – November 3, 2026
Oakland Post: Week of October 28 – November 3, 2026
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
How the Sandwich Generation Can Help Protect Aging Parents’ Finances
As Progressive Democrats Celebrate ‘Blue Tsunami,’ Oakland Counts Victories
Golden State Valkyries Become Bay Area Legends Winning WNBA Championship on Halloween Night
IN MEMORIAM: Marcia Ann Gillespie, Editor of Essence and Ms. Magazines, Dies at 82
U.S. Rep. John Garamendi Honors local ‘Women of the Year’ at Annual Awards Ceremony
Richmond Neighbors Put Pantry Power on the Map
Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce Hosts Statewide Convention, Generating $3 Million in Economic Impact
HISTORY MADE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor in American History
HISTORY MADE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor in American History
Five Hospitals Said No! Who Will Help Annette Henry Recover?
Oakland NAACP, BWOPA Speak Out Against Alleged Harassment of Black Women Political Leaders
COMMENTARY: Oakland’s Black Students Have Gained Ground: We Shouldn’t Stop Now
From Backyard Grilling to Jack London Square: Jamale Carlyle’s Chicken Wing Success Story
SEIU Local 1000 and State of California Will Continue to Negotiate New Labor Contract
OPINION: We Can Restore Checks and Balances on Trump
COMMENTARY: Valarie Bachelor and Jennifer Brouhard are Excellent School Board Members and Deserve to Be Reelected
Listening as a Lifeline: A Doula’s Witness to Black Maternal Health
HISTORY MADE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor in American History
Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies
OUSD Receives State Review of District Finances; Outlines Progress Since January
SEIU Local 1000 and State of California Will Continue to Negotiate New Labor Contract
COMMENTARY: Your California Living Trust Could Be Next: When Evidence Isn’t Enough
It’s Time to Lose Weight Before the Holidays
Oakland Post: Week of September 30 – October 6, 2026
Democrats, Community Groups Back Measure EE to Change How Oakland Is Governed
Mayor Barbara Lee Holds Special State of the City Address in Deep East Oakland
Golden State Valkyries Become Bay Area Legends Winning WNBA Championship on Halloween Night
Asm. Corey Jackson Announces Launch of 24-Hour Childcare in His District
Oakland Awarded More than $14 Million in State Funding
Fate of Bay Area Public Transit Hinges on Regional Transit Measure
The Conversation With Al McFarlane 6/23/26
Media Monday 6/22/26
LIVE! ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.23.26 7PM EST
Car Buying Secrets: 4 Hidden Checks Before You Sign!
Is This 550 HP Charger Worth YOUR Money? AutoNetwork Review
Celebrating Juneteenth – Frederick Douglass on education and resistance
LIVE! — ASK ALMA! — TUES. 6.19.26 7PM EST
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Parking, Safety, and 360 View #shorts
2025 Ioniq 5 New Wiper & Powerful Performance! #shorts
Electric SUV Range: Is 259 Miles Enough? #shorts
EV Charging: How Fast Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle? #shorts
Biometric Cooling… Messaging Seats…Come on! 2025 Infiniti QX80 Autograph 4WD
Charged Up: Witness the Magic of a Fully Electric Car! #shorts
Range Rover Sport PHEV Included…: See What’s Inside This Luxury SUV! #shorts
Invisible Hood View: Perfect Parking with X-Ray Vision! #shorts
-
Commentary1 week agoCOMMENTARY: Valarie Bachelor and Jennifer Brouhard are Excellent School Board Members and Deserve to Be Reelected
-
Black History7 days agoHISTORY MADE: Keisha Lance Bottoms Becomes First Black Woman Elected Governor in American History
-
Education1 week agoOUSD Receives State Review of District Finances; Outlines Progress Since January
-
Business1 week agoSEIU Local 1000 and State of California Will Continue to Negotiate New Labor Contract
-
Community3 weeks agoIt’s Time to Lose Weight Before the Holidays
-
Business1 week agoCOMMENTARY: Your California Living Trust Could Be Next: When Evidence Isn’t Enough
-
Community4 weeks agoDemocrats, Community Groups Back Measure EE to Change How Oakland Is Governed
-
Community3 weeks agoMayor Barbara Lee Holds Special State of the City Address in Deep East Oakland
