FOR INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
Hannah Greene
communications@whereismyland.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:4/10/2024
Santa Monica, California – Over 66 years ago, Silas White became one of the countless victims of racially motivated eminent domain. The Ebony Beach Club sat on prime real estate in downtown Santa Monica, two blocks from the beach. In 1958, Santa Monica seized the property two months before the Ebony Beach Club’s doors were set to open. Silas White fought the seizure of the property to no avail and ultimately died a few short years later, his dream dying with him.
In February 2022, his daughter, Constance White, and niece, Milana Davis, began working with Where Is My Land to secure repair for stolen land, the loss of business enterprise, and the inability to pass down generational wealth.
In March 2024, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted to proceed with the White family’s claim for reparations. Yesterday, July 23rd, marked the City’s self-imposed deadline of 90 business days. Although promised, Santa Monica did not come back with recommendations. Instead, City Manager David White gave cursory remarks and provided no deadline for repair, further prolonging justice for Constance White.
“WIML and the White family are extremely peeved by Santa Monica’s unwillingness to honor their agreement to provide recommendations for repair within 90 days. We’ve seen it before with Tulsa. Governing bodies have engaged in a pattern of practice that includes waiting out Black people to prevent them from obtaining justice,” said Kavon Ward, Where Is My Land CEO.
Family attorney Sadara DeVonne contacted the City Attorney to propose mediation but was referred to the DEI department. Should litigation be necessary, the White family has also retained the services of the high-profile law firm Allen Matkins.
“I’m appalled at the City’s constant disrespect for myself and my father. This is my father’s legacy, and he is undoubtedly rolling over in his grave. I will continue the fight he started in 1958,” declared Constance White.
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