Remembering the Watts Rebellion

From left, Grand Performances Executive Director Michael Alexander; SAG-AFTRA National Broadcast Director Anna Calderon; broadcasters Dave Lopez, Margaret Prescod and Beverly White; and SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven accept proclamations honoring the union. Photo: Valerie Macon

The South Los Angeles Watts Rebellion of 1965 was a milestone of the civil rights movement. In commemoration of this event, the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local and the L.A. Broadcast Steering Committee partnered with Grand Performances’ Los Angeles Aftershocks Series to host a July 10 event in downtown Los Angeles. WATTS50 was an evening of socially conscious music, curated by hip-hop showcase Lyricist Lounge. More than 1,500 guests gathered to reflect on the riots that began 50 years ago on Aug. 11. The evening discussion focused on the cultural aftermath of the riots, encompassing reflections of past and current race relations in L.A. and in our nation.

SAG-AFTRA broadcasters, including KPFK’s Margaret Prescod (host of Sojourner Truth), KNBC Channel 4’s Beverly White and KCBS Channel 2’s Dave Lopez, recounted their experiences during the riots and their effects on the Los Angeles community. The broadcasters joined SAG-AFTRA National Broadcast Director Anna Calderon and L.A. Local Executive Director Ilyanne Morden Kichaven to accept two proclamations during the Grand Performances event, one presented by the California Arts Council and the other from L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti. The proclamations recognized SAG-AFTRA’s commitment to broadcasters and the role that the union’s broadcasters play in serving the Los Angeles community.

Lyricist Lounge’s DJ Anthony Marshall, hip-hop duo Dead Prez and Jimetta Rose were among the performers who presented music and spoken word about the historic events. Pacifica Radio Archives’ on-the-ground footage served as source material during performances throughout the evening.

This item was originally featured in the September 2015 local newsletter.