Watts is one of the most historically significant neighborhoods in South Los Angeles, known for its deep cultural roots, resilient community spirit, and powerful legacy of activism, art, and social change. Bounded roughly by Century Boulevard to the north, Imperial Highway to the south, Alameda Street to the west, and the Los Angeles River to the east, Watts is a densely populated, working-class neighborhood with a predominantly African American and Latino population.
The neighborhood’s development dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, originally established as a separate city before being annexed by Los Angeles in 1926. In the post-World War II era, Watts became a hub for African American families migrating from the South during the Great Migration, seeking better opportunities and an escape from Jim Crow laws. However, the community soon faced systemic barriers, including segregation, redlining, and disinvestment, which contributed to the socio-economic challenges still present today.
Watts is perhaps most widely known for the 1965 Watts Rebellion, a pivotal moment in American civil rights history sparked by tensions over police brutality and racial inequality. The uprising brought national attention to the injustices faced by Black communities in Los Angeles and served as a catalyst for decades of grassroots organizing and community empowerment. The legacy of this moment continues to influence the neighborhood’s activism, arts, and culture.
One of the most iconic symbols of the neighborhood is the Watts Towers, a collection of 17 interconnected sculptural towers built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia over a span of 33 years. Made entirely by hand from scrap metal, broken glass, pottery, and seashells, the towers stand as a testament to creative resilience and are now a National Historic Landmark. The surrounding Watts Towers Arts Center continues to provide arts education, cultural programming, and youth engagement.
Watts is home to a vibrant, intergenerational community. While economic challenges remain—such as high poverty rates, limited access to quality education, and under-resourced public services—there are many signs of strength and renewal. Local organizations and residents are actively involved in improving public safety, expanding educational opportunities, and building youth leadership. Groups like the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) and the Brotherhood Crusade have been instrumental in providing job training, housing assistance, and community development.
Housing in Watts is a mix of older single-family homes, public housing developments like the Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens, and newer affordable housing projects. Recent redevelopment efforts, such as the transformation of Jordan Downs into a mixed-use community, reflect a push toward reinvestment while raising concerns about displacement and gentrification.
Public transportation is a vital part of daily life in Watts. The neighborhood is served by several Metro bus routes and is home to two stations on the Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line), providing direct access to Downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach. This connectivity is crucial for residents who rely on public transit for work and school.
Despite the struggles it has faced, Watts remains a symbol of perseverance, creativity, and community power. It’s a place where music, activism, and history are deeply intertwined. From jazz and gospel to hip-hop and murals, the artistic expression found in Watts speaks volumes about its people’s spirit and hope. Community gardens, youth sports leagues, and family-run businesses further illustrate the grassroots efforts that sustain and uplift the neighborhood.
Watts is more than the site of past struggles—it is a living, evolving community filled with pride and purpose. It stands as a reminder of the strength that emerges when people come together to challenge injustice, create beauty, and build a future rooted in dignity and hope.
