AN AUDIO DOCUMENTARY SERIES
Step back into 1970s Los Angeles and explore the cultural epicenter of the Mafundi Building. A story of art, rebellion, and resilience that echoed from Watts to the world.
Episode 1
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FEATURED EPISODES
01
THE TRACKS
Uncovering the foundational divides and the resilient communities built along the railway lines of early Los Angeles.
02
CENTRAL AVENUE
The golden era of jazz and commerce, capturing the vibrancy and pulse of the West Coast’s cultural epicenter.
03
MAFUNDI
An examination of the Watts neighborhood’s architectural anchor and its role as a vessel for Black empowerment.
Episode 2
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Central Avenue was the Black Nile of the West, where music, culture, and community laid the foundation for the soul of Watts.
THE STORY BEHIND
THE STORY
From Watts to the World is an audio documentary series preserving the history of a neighborhood that sparked a global cultural movement. We bypass the surface-level narratives to explore the deeply rooted archival truths.
Through hours of unreleased recordings, rare photography, and firsthand accounts, this project serves as a living museum—honoring the legacy of the Mafundi building and the visionary community that sustained it.
CURATED COLLECTION
EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE
01
HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS
A visual journey through the streets of Watts, capturing everyday life, powerful protests, and pivotal moments in the community's history.
02
ARCHIVAL MAPS
Trace the geographical and socio-economic shifts defining the community's boundaries from the 1960s to the present day.
03
COMMUNITY VOICES
Immersive oral histories and direct transcriptions preserving the lived experiences of residents through decades of change.