The Watts district of Los Angeles is a historically significant neighborhood that has undergone many changes over the years. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, landmarks, and the 1965 Watts riots, which had a significant impact on the community.

The Watts district was originally a rural area that was home to farms and ranches. In the early 1900s, the area began to develop as a residential neighborhood, and by the 1920s, it was a thriving community. One of the most notable landmarks in the area is the Watts Towers, a series of 17 interconnected sculptures that were created by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921 and 1954. The towers, which are made of steel, concrete, and mosaic tiles, are now a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist attraction.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Watts district underwent significant demographic changes. Many African American families moved into the area, and the population grew rapidly. However, the community was plagued by poverty, unemployment, and crime, and tensions between the police and residents began to escalate.

On August 11, 1965, a traffic stop in Watts led to a confrontation between police and residents. The incident sparked six days of rioting that resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and millions of dollars in property damage. The riots had a profound impact on the community, and many residents felt that they had been marginalized and ignored by the rest of Los Angeles.

In the years following the riots, the Watts district underwent significant changes. The community received funding for new housing developments, job training programs, and other social services. The Watts Towers were also restored and became a symbol of the community’s resilience.

Today, the Watts district is a vibrant community that is home to a diverse population. The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with new businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions opening up. The Watts Towers remain a beloved landmark and a testament to the community’s creativity and resilience.

In conclusion, the Watts district of Los Angeles is a historically significant neighborhood that has undergone many changes over the years. From its early days as a rural area to its status as a thriving residential community to the aftermath of the 1965 riots, the area has a rich and complex history. Despite the challenges that the community has faced, it has remained resilient and continues to evolve and grow today.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stm-blog/blog/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts%2C_Los_Angeles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_riots

ARCHER RAGSDALE ARIZONA CHAPTER OF THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR  TWO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR COLLEGE-BOUND HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

(PHOENIX, AZ) – The Archer-Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC), the local chapter named in honor of two Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Armed Forces, is currently accepting applications for two scholarship programs for college-bound graduating high school seniors. 

The William A. Campbell Memorial Scholarship, named after Col. Campbell, a former professor of Air Science at Tuskegee Institute, is awarding up to two $1,500 scholarships to eligible students. To qualify, applicants must be a high school senior with a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, plan to attend a college or university and major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) discipline, and submit a 500-word essay on how the Tuskegee Airmen legacy served as an inspiration for them. Applications must be received by May 31. For more information, contact Col. Richard “Dick” Toliver, United States Air Force (ret.), at [email protected]

The Ashby-Herring Scholarship is named in honor of ARAC members and original Tuskegee Airmen Lt. Col Robert “Bob” Ashby and Lt. Col Asa Herring. ARAC awards two$1,500 scholarships to deserving graduating college-bound high school students. To qualify, applicants must be a graduating high school senior from Arizona with plans to attend a two- or four-year college or university; of African American descent; have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher; and demonstrate financial need. The application deadline for the Ashby-Herring Scholarship is May 1.  For more information, email [email protected]  

“The scholarship opportunities reflect ARAC’s continued commitment to helping support the education goals of our young people in a substantive financial way,” said Diana Gregory, coordinator of the ARAC Scholarship Committee. “We are proud to offer these scholarships to facilitate the pursuit of higher education and encourage eligible graduating high school seniors to submit their applications as soon as possible.”

Link: https://www.azfoundation.org/scholarship-seekers/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/

Jon Taylor of Assistory Outreach Services talks about Community Conversations – STM Daily News Podcast

Homelessness in the United States is a major issue that affects millions of people. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2019 there were an estimated 567,715 people experiencing homelessness in the US on any given night.

There are both people and organizations who are working to make a difference. Jon Taylor of Assistory Outreach Services in Phoenix, Arizona is one of those individuals who is working for change. 

https://assistoryoutreachservices.com/

See the video version here: