Remnants of the Watts Festival

In 1972, Ulysses Jenkins's lens immortalized a significant moment in African American cultural history at the Watts Summer Festival—one of the oldest and most important celebrations in the United States. Founded by the very community it represented, the festival was conceived just a year after the turbulent Watts uprising as an expression of unity and resilience. Jenkins's film serves as an intimate documentation of the event, capturing raw, vibrant performances and showcasing the multicultural essence of the gathering through footage of a set by War—the California funk band renowned for hits like "Low Rider," "The Cisco Kid," and "Why Can't We Be Friends?". A defining feature of their music and the festival itself is the group's multiethnic composition, embodying the spirit of harmony that permeates through the screen. The film not only highlights the community spirit that drives this annual event but also provides a counterbalance to negative portrayals in local news media at the time. It serves as an enduring testament to the power of art and community in overcoming adversity and celebrating cultural heritage.