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Black L.A.: 1980s to Present

Gregory Everett was one of only a handful of Black Angelenos looking to document a seminal moment in the city's life. Using his life as a throughline and guided by Dr. Daniel Walker, KCET explores life in Los Angeles for the African American community in the 1980s and its repercussions today. Groove with the little-known precursor of West Coast hip-hop, explore the significance of public art in Crenshaw and see why stories need to be told by its community.

Black flyers with white text with retro photos of African American people having fun and an African American DJ.
On the left, Ultra Girls and the Bandstand Boys partying. On the right, Gregory Everett wearing an Ultra Wave Jacket plays discs. Ultra Wave flyers in reversed colors are shown in the background. | Photos courtesy of Gregory Everett and Rick "Rick Rock" Aaron. Flyers courtesy of Lawrence Gilliam. Collage by Milly Chi

More Black Arts Stories

A collage image of the same African American man in different stages of his life.
From his west side party series to his community work in the Crenshaw District, Gregory Everett has always been motivated by the larger perspective, but his impact stayed relatively underground. Learn more about this pivotal person in the Black L.A. community.
A wooden shadowbox diorama with four miniature Black men on horseback. They're all wearing cowboy hats and cowboy attire. Behind them is a miniature white fence with various skin-toned dots painted onto the back of the shadowbox, implying a crowd of people beyond. Gold, sparkly block letters read, "Compton Cowboys."
A self-taught folk artist, Karen Collins and her collection of miniatures tell important stories about the struggles and triumphs of the Black community.
A Black man is hugged by other children in a schoolroom space.
As Parkinson's disease began to attack boxing great Muhammad Ali, he took the fight outside the ring, giving voice to the voiceless, particularly communities of color at home and abroad. Inspired by his work, eight artists create a more complex portrait of the icon.
A poster for Women in Design Conference at the Woman's Building designed by Sheila de Bretteville.
Issues of accessibility have long been woven through all facets of graphic design and can especially be seen in Los Angeles during the late 1960s and early '70s.
The Art and Science of Preserving the Watts Towers
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Watts Towers don't necessarily fit the bill for a standard definition of art.
Chloe Arnold: Arts Education Saved My Life
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Chreographer Chloe Arnold says arts education is helping save lives on a daily basis.
Jovana Tankou: Who Deserves a Metaphor?
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Get Lit poet Jovana opens the door for all our stories.
Jayloni Fisher: My Hope Is in My Art
1:19
Get Lit poet Jayloni uses art to inspire hope in his community.
Twyla Moves
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:31
Explore choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process.
Rosie Lee Hooks | Courtesy of Watts Towers Arts Center
From performing with an ensemble to working at the Smithsonian to mentoring Watts youth (including a young Nipsey Hussle), WTAC's advocate has done it all and keeps fighting for her adopted neighborhood.
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