The Watts Towers Arts Center Campus announced the lineup for its annual two-day entertainment extravaganza featuring jazz, drum-based music, poetry and dance from around the world.
Congresswoman Barragán will host her Annual Black History Month event tomorrow, February 16 to honor the achievements and contributions of Black visionaries impacting the 44th Congressional District. This year’s theme, Together We Rise, was chosen to emphasize the prevailing thought that our community’s strength lies in our unity.
The Civil Service Commission revoked Watts Towers Art Center Director Rosie Lee Hooks’ suspension recently, however Friends of Watts Towers members say they now want an apology from the city and they are asking community members to join them in petitioning for one. The Department of Cultural Affairs is leaving in authority the official who knowingly presented false testimony that caused Hooks’ suspension, they said. They are calling the situation “disrespectful” and “a slap in the face” to the Watts Community. “We feel disrespected,” said FOWT board member, Ed Lander who joined other members in composing the apology letter. “A
Educator and Watts Towers Arts Director Rosie Lee Hooks was found not guilty of insubordination after a July 31 hearing, but guilty of not adhering to the public art approval process to paint a mural of Watts native and jazz legend Charles Mingus.
Community leaders and residents have come out recently in support of Watts Towers Art Center Director Rosie Lee Hooks, who was suspended last month for commissioning a mural of jazz great Charles Mingus on the youth art center named for him ten years ago.