The Santa Monica City Council has approved a payment of $350,000 to the family of Silas White, a Black entrepreneur whose plans for a hotel and beach club in the 1950s were thwarted by city actions. This decision highlights a renewed focus on local reparations amidst national stagnation in the reparations movement.
The historical context of White’s case is significant. In 1958, the city seized the land designated for the Ebony Beach Club on Ocean Avenue, claiming it was needed for the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Although White had made only one payment on the property, he was in the process of securing ownership. City officials have since acknowledged that he faced discrimination, stating that the eminent domain seizure was influenced by the racial makeup of White’s business organization.
Constance “Connie” White, Silas White’s daughter, played a crucial role in keeping her father’s claim alive. She expressed that her pursuit of justice is not solely for financial compensation but to honor the legacy of those who have faced similar injustices. “As you research, there are thousands and thousands of people that have had this happen to them,” she remarked.
The Santa Monica City Council is also considering a broader restorative justice program, with plans to allocate $3.5 million as initial funding to address historical discrimination against Black residents and business owners. This proposal is expected to be discussed further in January 2024. The funding may derive from a financial agreement with the Rand Corporation, related to zoning modifications for property sales.
Santa Monica’s actions are part of a growing trend among cities recognizing their historical injustices. In 2021, Manhattan Beach acknowledged that land had been wrongfully taken from the Bruce family, a Black family, in the early 20th century. The city restored ownership and paid nearly $20 million for the property, which is now a lifeguard training facility. Similarly, Palm Springs offered a settlement of $5.9 million to residents displaced by discriminatory policies in the 1950s and 60s.
In July 2023, Hayward announced a $900,000 redress fund for former residents of the multiracial Russell City enclave, acknowledging the need to address the lasting harm caused by displacement.
Caroline Torosis, Santa Monica’s mayor pro tem, emphasized the importance of action in addressing these historical injustices. She stated, “Past apologies are empty words unless there is some action behind it.” The city’s commitment to reparative justice stands in stark contrast to the current political climate, where national conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion have faced significant opposition.
As Santa Monica moves forward, the focus on local reparations may inspire similar initiatives in other communities. The ongoing dialogue about the impacts of historical injustices and the need for restitution continues to evolve, underscoring a commitment to justice for those wronged by systemic discrimination.
