Landmarks help people identify their familiar surroundings and gravitate toward a sense of pride for their neighborhood. The Black community in South Los Angeles has a number of places that give them a sense of belonging. The following locations evoke strong ties within the community.
Vision Theatre
When the Vision Theatre initially opened its doors in early 1931, this magnificent building with an Art Deco design was called Leimert Theatre. It's situated close to Leimert Park's focal point.
The towering steel frame that bears the name of the theater is the building's distinguishing feature, in addition to its exquisite external detailing. That steel center piece originally read "Leimert Theatre" rather than the current "Vision Theatre," back in the 1930s.
Actress Marla Gibbs bought the facility in 1990 and changed its name to the Vision Theatre with the intention of showcasing Black art there. In 1997, Gibbs' property went into foreclosure. The City of Los Angeles acquired it and turned it into a performing arts complex. In February, the news of its restoration was acknowledged.
In 2021, former Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas announced that the Vision Theatre and Manchester Junior Arts Center in Leimert Park would become the top arts venue in South Los Angeles. At the time, they were looking to hire individuals to work as theatre managers, operators, and programmers.
Over the past 90 years, the theater has seen an array of ownership changes. Most notably, it served for almost 20 years as a Jehovah Witness Watchtower Assembly Hall.
Ted Walkins Park
Ted Watkins Memorial Park is immensely noteworthy and located in the center of South Los Angeles. In 1995, the 28-acre grassland was named for Ted Watkins, a business and community activist who founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee.
The Promenade of Prominence Walk of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of local leaders, is also located at Ted Watkins Memorial Park.
For many years, sports like baseball, flag football, basketball, and soccer were held at the park. Additionally, it has a skate park, jogging route, workout stations, and farmer's market.
Watts Towers
The Watts Towers are almost 100 feet tall.
They are situated next to the Watts Towers Arts Center in a huge park. Although the towers' interiors are now being renovated, visitors can still enjoy the structures from behind the gates. The towers can be spotted on the covers of records by Tyrese, Don Cherry, and Harold Land.
The Watts Towers evolved into a source of respect during the daily bustle of the city. The towers escaped damage when the Watts Riots in 1965 devastated most of the neighborhood. South Los Angeles' Watts Towers are regarded as one of the most significant works of art in the city.
L.A.'s redevelopment initiatives gave the Towers an unprecedented amount of prominence, which led to campaigns to renovate the cultural institution to meet the neighborhood's general requirements. Community members consider the Watts Towers a testament to the area's resiliency and promise.
Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center
One of the 11 service centers operated by the Los Angeles Unified School District's Division of Adult and Career Education is the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center.
Adult secondary education, basic academia, career driven knowledge and citizenship have been the focus of the facility offerings since 1966.
In August of 2021, Congresswoman Maxine Waters joined Speaker of House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi at this facility to discuss the advancement of the Child Tax Credit.
Watts Labor Community Action Center
The Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) is a charitable organization and neighborhood-based provider of societal services. WLCAC is committed to enhancing the standard of living for those living in South Central Los Angeles.
Sister committee, SCCC-Watts, on Central near 108th, opened up in March 2018. It is located on the grounds of WLCAC.
WLCAC was founded in 1965, their purpose was to create and provide programs and services that serve the needs of the under-served, predominantly Black residents of the Watts and Greater Watts communities.
People can recognize their familiar surroundings and feel connected to the larger society, thanks to local monuments.
Members of the Black community in South Los Angeles chose these places to symbolize their ties to their community.