Image Source: https://ceo.lacounty.gov/ardi/bruces-beach/
Bruce's Beach was commonly known as the first black-owned resort in the early nineteen hundreds. There were some happy times in the beginning, and then much sadness ensued by racial discrimination. But one may wonder how and why hostile and racist discrimination prospered at such an alarming rate without consequence against the Bruces and black beach. Furthermore, let us consider that the United States of America gained its Independence in 1776, which states all men are created equal and are entitled to the same rights.
On the other hand, we may observe that the reference to all men seems not to include other races of people, only those signing the constitution. Segregation was still the law of the land. Other races were prohibited from using the water fountains, lunch counters, hotels, restrooms, public pools and beaches. The story of Bruce's Beach in Manhattan Beach, California, recently made the headlines and it is a staunch reminder of power and discrimination. To abide by the law of the land and to provide a safe environment for black families, Willa and Charles Bruce purchased a piece of waterfront property and created a resort for black families in 1912.
Image Source: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/10/1043821492/black-americans-land-history
The Bruces rented swimsuits, sold snacks and other trinkets and even had a dance hall to support their business endeavors. Shortly after the waterfront property opened, it became a thriving black business due to its popularity. Black families were happy to have a place where they could vacation peacefully without harassment. It was a feeling of liberation. The sense of freedom for the first time a black child could play in the sand on the beach and families swim in the ocean. Something that is so ordinary today was a horrendous crime. For Willa and Charles Bruce, Bruce's Beach of 1912 was a brilliant entrepreneurial idea. But the white residents and the law soon unleashed persecution on the Bruces and their patrons. Parking time became restricted, cars were vandalized, and the Klu Klux Klan attacked some patrons. More restrictions followed.
After twelve years of relentless unprovoked issues and court battles, the California City Council of Manhattan Beach seized Bruce's Beach under the “Eminent Domain Law," devaluing the property and giving the owners a fraction of what it was worth. Yet it sat abandoned for thirty years. Therefore, I wonder if Bruce’s waterfront property was used by black people and considered contaminated and not fit to be used until it was demolished? Which eventually allowed for a new structure to be erected. Did the California City Council just want the Bruces to experience the pain of power by seeing the deterioration of their dream?
Finally, after ninety-eight years, the City Council of Los Angeles voted to return Bruce’s Beach to their descendants in June 2022. However, no amount of financial compensation can avenge the emotional devastation suffered by this family and the community of people they served. A community that had no other options. Additionally, if a black person was caught on the beach or in the water, they were arrested and charged. Some even faced jail time and fines, which they could not afford. Restricted by the law, which clearly did not share the same privileges. It hurts to realize how citizens had to live with the restrictions of utilizing a God-created resource.
The scales of justice are far from being equal. DNA testing and video surveillance have become the silent voice of the new century. It is providing the voice for the voiceless. When reflecting on Bruce's Beach in 1912, I tried to make sense of it all. Maybe they feared that the black people were going to get too rich? Was it because the visitors looked like they were having too much fun? Were the government or the white community afraid that they would use this resort as a venue to plan riots? Would the idea catch on, and other blacks would invest in ventures where black citizens could enjoy themselves? Why rob them of one piece of land when the rest of the beach was still available? Now that I think about it, an unjust system was possibly created to keep Willa Bruce, Charles Bruce, and other blacks aspiring to become entrepreneurs under subjection. A reminder that they did not have the same rights or freedom to achieve their dreams.At the same time, It is heartbreaking and educational for this generation to understand that the liberty they enjoy today came at a very expensive price to many.
It also brings to mind “Black Wall Street” and “Seneca Village'' which is now known as Central Park in New York. Black Wall Street became known as the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 in the Greenwood District of the city. Blocks of black-owned homes and businesses were burnt to the ground. Many died since the fire was deliberately to entrap the community. Seneca Village was swamp land sold to free blacks. After the blacks created a village of homes, schools, and churches, they were evicted for the right to create open space with no offer to relocate. The Seneca Village was also reclaimed by “Eminent Domain” and became the famous Central Park of New York City. History seems to be just that, a record of time past. Thus, we should educate ourselves to understand what life means to those no longer here.
Black Wall Street 100 Years Later
Human motivation can be a very fragile aspect of our human existence. Most people are innovative and want to earn a living wage to take care of their responsibilities. But, many fall under the weight of the despondencies they encounter in society. Frederick Douglass said, “Education is the only way out of slavery.” However, the physical chains were removed by law, but the cruelty unleashed from racial intentions does not express the unimaginable psychological chains of suppression.
The subtleness of substandard services kept poor communities quiet and celebrated them until they tried to apply themselves to the world. All the while, despondency tested their human abilities. Apart from this, an excellent formal educational foundation is a foundation for every person’s prosperity. Intellectual skills and education are only part of the equation.
Constant self-improvement through remaining open to personal research and development opens up a broader perspective of our community. Studying doesn't have to be scholarly but can promote lifelong learning. Mia Angelo asked us, “When you learn, teach.” As a result, let us share our knowledge to inspire the next generation as aligned with Kean University School of English Studies' mission.
On the other hand, we may observe that the reference to all men seems not to include other races of people, only those signing the constitution. Segregation was still the law of the land. Other races were prohibited from using the water fountains, lunch counters, hotels, restrooms, public pools and beaches. The story of Bruce's Beach in Manhattan Beach, California, recently made the headlines and it is a staunch reminder of power and discrimination. To abide by the law of the land and to provide a safe environment for black families, Willa and Charles Bruce purchased a piece of waterfront property and created a resort for black families in 1912.
Image Source: https://www.npr.org/2021/10/10/1043821492/black-americans-land-history
The Bruces rented swimsuits, sold snacks and other trinkets and even had a dance hall to support their business endeavors. Shortly after the waterfront property opened, it became a thriving black business due to its popularity. Black families were happy to have a place where they could vacation peacefully without harassment. It was a feeling of liberation. The sense of freedom for the first time a black child could play in the sand on the beach and families swim in the ocean. Something that is so ordinary today was a horrendous crime. For Willa and Charles Bruce, Bruce's Beach of 1912 was a brilliant entrepreneurial idea. But the white residents and the law soon unleashed persecution on the Bruces and their patrons. Parking time became restricted, cars were vandalized, and the Klu Klux Klan attacked some patrons. More restrictions followed.
After twelve years of relentless unprovoked issues and court battles, the California City Council of Manhattan Beach seized Bruce's Beach under the “Eminent Domain Law," devaluing the property and giving the owners a fraction of what it was worth. Yet it sat abandoned for thirty years. Therefore, I wonder if Bruce’s waterfront property was used by black people and considered contaminated and not fit to be used until it was demolished? Which eventually allowed for a new structure to be erected. Did the California City Council just want the Bruces to experience the pain of power by seeing the deterioration of their dream?
Finally, after ninety-eight years, the City Council of Los Angeles voted to return Bruce’s Beach to their descendants in June 2022. However, no amount of financial compensation can avenge the emotional devastation suffered by this family and the community of people they served. A community that had no other options. Additionally, if a black person was caught on the beach or in the water, they were arrested and charged. Some even faced jail time and fines, which they could not afford. Restricted by the law, which clearly did not share the same privileges. It hurts to realize how citizens had to live with the restrictions of utilizing a God-created resource.
The scales of justice are far from being equal. DNA testing and video surveillance have become the silent voice of the new century. It is providing the voice for the voiceless. When reflecting on Bruce's Beach in 1912, I tried to make sense of it all. Maybe they feared that the black people were going to get too rich? Was it because the visitors looked like they were having too much fun? Were the government or the white community afraid that they would use this resort as a venue to plan riots? Would the idea catch on, and other blacks would invest in ventures where black citizens could enjoy themselves? Why rob them of one piece of land when the rest of the beach was still available? Now that I think about it, an unjust system was possibly created to keep Willa Bruce, Charles Bruce, and other blacks aspiring to become entrepreneurs under subjection. A reminder that they did not have the same rights or freedom to achieve their dreams.At the same time, It is heartbreaking and educational for this generation to understand that the liberty they enjoy today came at a very expensive price to many.
It also brings to mind “Black Wall Street” and “Seneca Village'' which is now known as Central Park in New York. Black Wall Street became known as the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 in the Greenwood District of the city. Blocks of black-owned homes and businesses were burnt to the ground. Many died since the fire was deliberately to entrap the community. Seneca Village was swamp land sold to free blacks. After the blacks created a village of homes, schools, and churches, they were evicted for the right to create open space with no offer to relocate. The Seneca Village was also reclaimed by “Eminent Domain” and became the famous Central Park of New York City. History seems to be just that, a record of time past. Thus, we should educate ourselves to understand what life means to those no longer here.
Black Wall Street 100 Years Later
Human motivation can be a very fragile aspect of our human existence. Most people are innovative and want to earn a living wage to take care of their responsibilities. But, many fall under the weight of the despondencies they encounter in society. Frederick Douglass said, “Education is the only way out of slavery.” However, the physical chains were removed by law, but the cruelty unleashed from racial intentions does not express the unimaginable psychological chains of suppression.
The subtleness of substandard services kept poor communities quiet and celebrated them until they tried to apply themselves to the world. All the while, despondency tested their human abilities. Apart from this, an excellent formal educational foundation is a foundation for every person’s prosperity. Intellectual skills and education are only part of the equation.
Constant self-improvement through remaining open to personal research and development opens up a broader perspective of our community. Studying doesn't have to be scholarly but can promote lifelong learning. Mia Angelo asked us, “When you learn, teach.” As a result, let us share our knowledge to inspire the next generation as aligned with Kean University School of English Studies' mission.
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