The population of Watts has shifted and evolved since it was annexed by the City of Los Angeles in 1926. Its four public housing developments have long attracted those new to the city, including many immigrant populations. Using 2010 U.S. Census data, this information graphic illustrates who lives in Watts right now and provides insight into their lives.

Jordan Downs is a 700-unit public housing development nestled in the community of Watts. Despite proposed plans for renovation and gentrification, the “projects” remain in disrepair. Take a tour through the current state of Jordan Downs with this photo gallery presentation.

Walter Rich’s history class at David Starr Jordan High School in South-Central Los Angeles spent the last 20 minutes of a spring school day watching Schindler’s List. The classroom was dark, save for the flickering light of the projector and the bluish glow of a couple cell-phone screens in the back row. In the highly [...]

In 1965, the community of Watts was isolated, economically depressed and on the brink of a devastating riot. Despite the area’s many challenges, Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) founder Ted Watkins maintained the position of “Don’t move, improve.”

Betty Day, 71, stepped to the front of the conference room at Los Angeles City Councilmember Janice Hahn’s Watts Field Office on a morning in late June. “Something has to be done about this,” she mumbled softly. Raising her voice, she repeated it for emphasis, “We have to do something about this.” A small woman, [...]

As the population of Watts continues to grow, Los Angeles housing officials have looked at ways to supplement the area’s four public housing developments as a means of lessening the housing demand. This information graphic depicts the logic behind the proposed plans for additions to the area’s four public housing developments.

In 1886, Charles Watts purchased the 220 acres of the La Tajuata Ranch that currently make up Watts. Since then, Watts has been annexed into the City of Los Angeles, has witnessed the construction of four public housing developments and has been the victim of two devastating riots. Take a tour through Watt’s history with this interactive timeline.