Serials 【 Hip and Pop Souvenirs Found Around the World. ~California~] Vol. 7 WLCAC is serious about solving problems in the Watts area.

We live in an age where we can buy almost anything on the Internet. That's why we can't help but be attracted to things that can only be bought in those places. ...... The "CITY WALK PROJECT" started by "ZOZOVILLA" focuses on hip cities and stores around the world and releases items that can only be found there. Items that could only be obtained by visiting the local area are now available at "ZOZOVILLA" for a special occasion only.

The city that will be the focus of the first edition is California. Under the title of "CALI WALK," items from eight local stores will be on sale. This time, WLCAC, an organization that works to solve community issues in the Watts area south of Los Angeles, will introduce items made especially for the "CALI WALK".

Photo(ITEM)_Takeshi Kimura
Text_Marugoshi Kimura
Edit_Yosuke Ishii

Revitalizing Los Angeles' Most Dangerous Zone.

Unlike the sparkling atmosphere of Hollywood or Santa Monica, there are no tourists here, and even the locals don't venture out. Walking alone is a no-go.

Gang wars have been raging for a long time, and that is still the case in the 2000s. There are many poor people and many homeless people in the area.

On the other hand, culture grows in such places. Freedom of expression is strongly rooted, especially in the field of music. Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar were born and raised in these areas.

The Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) is a charitable organization that conducts social action programs in the Watts area, a section of South Central. It was founded in 1965.

There is still no security, widespread poverty, and few work opportunities. Facing all kinds of social problems, "WLCAC" has been supporting Watts for a long time to improve the situation.

Two of their signature activities are the "Mudtown Farms" and "Watts on Wheels" programs.

Two items that also pay homage to Japan.

Mudtown Farms" is an agricultural training program that takes place in a field the size of two soccer fields. Today, the farmers work with local residents to grow lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, fruits, and other crops. The program was featured in the Emmy Award-winning documentary "10 Days in Watts," which chronicles the rich history of Watts.

It also plays a role in providing subsidized apprenticeships and land use rights, as well as securing employment and increasing food security in the region.

Another program, Watts on Wheels, provides a safe place for young people to skateboard and train. Watts has fostered a culture of skating that has produced a number of professionals, and it is said that the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles may well feature skaters who have come out of Watts on Wheels.

How did such an organization come to collaborate with "ZOZO"?

In fact, Watts was settled by Japanese immigrants in the 1940s, and the land used for "Mudtown Farms" was initially cultivated by Japanese hands. The land used for Mudtown Farms was initially cultivated by the Japanese," said a WLCAC representative.

And the two items released are based on the motif of the program introduced above.

Watts Culture for CALI WALK S/S Tee ¥9,400

This T-shirt has the name "Mudtown Farms" printed on the left chest and the "WLCAC" address on the hem. On the back is a tomato root and a map. Representing the historical connection between Japanese and African-American agriculture, the map connects Watts to Little Tokyo in Downtown LA.

Watts Culture for CALI WALK Watts on Wheels Hoodie ¥15,000

The skate park used in "Watts on Wheels" was designed by Tony Hawk, who is also known as the god of skateboarding. The hoodie was designed with this as its motif. The smiling character represents the fresh energy flowing in the skate park.

With the help of the "WLCAC," we've seen a new wave of change in South Central over the past few years. Young artists and entrepreneurs are turning old warehouses into galleries and creating new community spaces.

It is always in these areas that creative energies are concentrated and left out of the surroundings.

It is not recommended at this time to actually go and support them, so until one day we can safely go sightseeing, we should support them indirectly, by wearing them.