Letter Writer Weighs In On Discrimination Of Blacks, Women

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN AND BLACK PEOPLE

The Bruce’s Beach story is one of discrimination against women and Black people. Yes, Willa Bruce, the owner and operator of the Bruce’s Beach resort in the 1920’s was a successful woman, a Black woman.

If you recall, just before the 1920s, women didn’t have the right to vote. In a man’s world, women were subjected to profound discrimination including property ownership, business
ownership and educational opportunity. So, just imagine, the incredible anger towards a Black woman who dared to succeed.

The rights of women and the rights of Black people are still not equal to a white male today. That’s a fact. So, yes, we have lots of work left to do.

Obviously, the Manhattan Beach of 2020 is not the Manhattan Beach of the 1920s or even the 1980s. The best that our community has to offer has been enhanced by the newer residents who moved into our community since 2000. And, the voice of the old guard is fading, no longer resonating as it once did.

I believe that the Manhattan Beach of 2020 is not a racist community, as it once was. Of that, I’m certain. I’m also certain that acts of racism continue.

Let’s unite as a community to pledge to end any and all vestiges of racism in our community. That effort starts with the recognition of what happened to the Bruce family. We should never forget.

Mark Burton
Former Manhattan Beach City Council member