Arts in Watts: a legacy of music, poetry, innovation

The Watts Prophets were founded by Amde Hamilton, Richard Dedeaux and Otis O' Solomon, some of the many influential artists to come from the community after the Watts Riots of 1965.

Throughout the history of Watts, the arts have played an important role: creating a place for expression and reflection.

Throughout the history of Watts, the arts have played an important role: creating a place for expression and reflection and providing a way for residents to envision what their community would become.

After the civil unrest in 1965, that art took on new meaning. Joining us to discuss the role of art in South L.A. are the following guests:

Shana Redmond, author of Anthem: Sounds of Solidarity in the African Diaspora, and professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at USC.

Amde Hamilton, who formed the Watts Prophets along with Richard Dedeaux and Otis O' Solomon.

Johnie Scott, a co-founder of the Watts Writers Workshop and currently a professor in the Pan African Studies Department at Cal State Northridge.

RELATED: Amde Hamilton, founding member of the Watts Prophets, on growing up in South L.A. and the power of art

​Throughout the history of Watts, the arts have played an important role: creating a place for expression and reflection.

Throughout the history of Watts, the arts have played an important role: creating a place for expression and reflection.