In March 2025, Manhattan Beach resident and former Daily Breeze photographer Brad Graverson began bearing witness against the national ICE arrests of immigrants by sitting in his wheelchair at 33rd Street and Sepulveda Boulevard every Sunday, and waving protest signs at passing motorists.
An unexpected result, he said, has been the opportunity it presented to meet his neighbors. Over the weeks increasing numbers of them joined him with their own protest signs. Two Sundays ago, January 11, following the fatal January 7 shooting by an ICE agent of 37-year-old American citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota, over 200 fellow protestors joined Graverson at what has become known as Brad’s Corner.
This past Sunday, January 18, over 50 protestors returned to Brad’s Corner. Among them was Delores Gilmore, who was inspired by Graverson’s witness to write the following poem.
“Sunday Mornings Standing With Brad”
by Delores Gilmore
He sat alone on Sunday mornings
His olive flannel shirt buttoned tight
Against the damp ocean chill
Tan baseball cap shaded his eyes
His right hand gripping the black lever
Wheelchair moved to his spot
on the corner
In sight of vehicles on Pacific Coast Highway
As they stopped at the red light
His whistle, activated by a button
on his chair
Shrieked
Alerting car occupants to read
His protest signs clipped to the chair
Hands Off Health Care
Fight Injustice
Democracy For All
Go Dodgers!
Most just drive by
Not to be bothered
Anxious
To get to their destination
Some honk; wave approval
The Sheriff Deputy’s discrete,
small hand wave
The bus driver thumbs up, blasting horn
The Vespa driver beeping agreement
Some spew vile words
Vulgar hand signals
But too few to mention
Or care about
Brad had found his voice
During his Sunday morning vigils
A one man wheelchair protest
Versus powerful political hacks.
The next Sunday
A woman appeared on
Brad’s corner
Whistle in hand, sign on pole:
Due Process
There were two,
Then three,
Then twelve souls
Standing on the corner with Brad
I zip up my blue hoodie
Brace myself and join
The small but growing
Group of disenfranchised
protesters
Defend Democracy sign
in arthritic hands
an orange whistle
A hot pink fedora, lettered
With “Be The Revolution”
A nod to Gil Scott Heron.
I found my voice again
Standing with Brad
On Sunday mornings.
Notice all the people wearing sunglasses to hide their identities while protesting at this corner ? It isn’t a coincidence. It’s coordination of some of the most Uber liberals in the South Bay. For example, these people are members of Manhattan Beach Huddle, Beach Cities Democratic Club, local League of Women Voters, and others hiding in the dark back alleys of Paulina Avenue, South Juanita Avenue, Ruby Street, Ruhland Avenue, 15th Street, and Lucia Avenue.
It was a sunny day. Going to have to have a better argument than that.At least they care about what’s going on and are willing to stand up,It’s their right.
Obviously we are not hiding in dark back alleys. We are standing in the sun, wearing sunglasses, because it’s sunny.
The protesters at Brad’s corner are thoughtful, caring individuals who don’t want to see armed thugs in American streets or their country destroyed. That is our right and our duty.
I’m so proud of Brad and other patriotic Americans expressing their opinions in a peaceful manor. Whether you agree or disagree with their POV, these neighbors represent the best of America and one of the reasons why people are drawn to our country; because we value and celebrate Freedom of Speech. Look at the effort Brad is making….his disability can’t stop his passion and love for a better America. Amazing and inspiring, my friend. ❤️
Using the military to target US citizens in “blue” states is horrific, and it means a lot to stand up for what is right.