WATTS TOWERS ARTS CENTER CAMPUS

Dr. Joseph  & Bootsie Howard Gallery

Our exhibition “50 Years And I Still Can’t Breathe Remembering the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 Watts Rebellion and Now” opened in both the Watts Towers Arts Center, Noah Purifoy Gallery and Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center, Mingus Gallery on February 22, 2015 and was held over to August 7, 2016. This compelling socially conscious exhibition gave platform to 32 multicultural artists to express their artistic view on the past and present atmosphere, of not only our Watts community, but the United States in general. The week of August 11-16,  1965 was the setting for the 1965 Watts Rebellion with six days of turmoil and violence that left 34 dead, thousands of injuries, upwards of 3,000 arrested and 40 million dollars in property damage. The frustration and anger mirrored the signs of the time as they do now. There is still a lack of economic, educational and job opportunities, as well as the availability of health care: and the incarceration rate is disproportionately high. Evidence every day is police injustice and misconduct against minority communities. This environment of oppression, neglect and institutional racism leads to apathy, and still remains a breeding ground for future upheavals.

 

What do we do NEXT? What can I do NEXT? What does our nation do NEXT? “The Power of Love” is offered to us by Carlos Spivey. We see in his vibrant work, so many variation on love for his art,  family and culture. “It’s All About The Bass” brought to us by Sammy Davis, acknowledges the variety and power of the art of photography and the art of music as it speaks to us in so many ways. When I/we can begin to see all people as human beings. Until that change happens within us there can be no empathy for others. We must relearn that we are all in the world together; I am my brother ‘s/sister’s keeper.

 

 As we look at ourselves for all of our positive attributes first, there is less room for focusing on of the negative propaganda being spread by fear mongers. Let’s begin to appreciate our small gifts and strengthen our resolve to have more patience and understanding and less fear. Fear cannot live as long as hope is alive. It begins with you. It’s all about coming together, we must close the divide. I/we must stand up for ourselves and for our neighbors, together we can make a difference.