Dr. King’s belief in non-violence as a moral and political basis for achieving the “Dream” he envisioned did not include a passive or patient acceptance of a lower place in society. He knew this would be a multi-generational quest for our freedom, and prophetically told us that we would eventually get to the mountain top even if he were unable to be there with us.
Councilman Joe Buscaino recently replied to a series of articles by the undersigned setting forth facts demonstrating that Watts is and has been a politically neglected appendage of Los Angeles. Mr. Buscaino takes issue with that contention and responds that Watts has not been neglected and cites several recent projects to support his argument. At the outset, we need to express appreciation for Mr. Buscaino’s efforts for the people of his district and his willingness to debate the larger political issues relating to Watts in particular, and the city generally. Healthy debate always leads to positive results. That said, let us take a closer look at Watts.
This urgent letter of protest is filed by the Watts Labor Community Action Committee in objection to the ongoing 1845 East 103rd Street Request for Proposals Process (Mafundi RFP). The Mafundi RFP is in fact an invitation for bids to demolish a site of historic and cultural import for the City of Los Angeles, if not the nation: The Mafundi Institute, which includes the Watts Happening Coffee House. Among the many hindrances to achieving best use caused by this RFP is its title. The use of only the property address without reference to the widely recognized building and business names for the RFP is misleading and downplays the importance of the nature of the project by obscuring the historic value of the site.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) will host its seventh annual Legacy Leaders Spring Gala on Thursday, April 18, 2019, at 6 p.m. at the Marina Del Rey Marriott. This year, the Gala will honor the accomplishments and contributions of Anthony Tiffith, CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Timothy Watkins, President and CEO of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) and Dignity Health, the event’s first corporate honoree. Proceeds from the Gala will provide funding for University scholarships and pipeline programs such as the Saturday Science Academy-II, which seeks to inspire students of color to pursue degrees and careers in science, technology,