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Willa and Charles Bruce ran a thriving hotel on a popular California beach up until 1924. At a time of racial segregation in the US, this was a place where black people could relax without facing harassment. But after years of struggling against artificial barriers, the family were forcibly bought out by the local authorities.

Now their descendants want their land back - something the family say they're hopeful the county of Los Angeles will agree to. They're also fighting for restitution for 96 years of lost earnings.

Chief Duane Yellow Feather is a historian and spokesman for the family, in Los Angeles.

"We were just ousted from that community. There's only 1% representation of African Americans in Manhattan Beach at this time. Manhattan Beach has the opportunity to really make this right and at this point they're not doing a very good job of it."

(Photo: Willa and Charles Bruce on their wedding day. Credit: The Bruce Family)