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The photograph shows Watts Manufacturing Company General Manager Leon O. Woods accepting the award from Los Angeles television personality Stan Borman, while actor William Marshall, who served as master of ceremonies, looks on.
The original period caption on the reverse explains that the award was presented to the Compton, California-based Watts Manufacturing Company in recognition of its progress in industry and employment.
Watts Manufacturing was an important social and industrial initiative established in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts uprising, designed to create employment and training opportunities for residents who faced significant barriers to employment. Contemporary reporting confirms that by 1968 the company employed more than 500 people and manufactured products including wood products, metal items and electronic components.
The company was established with assistance from Aerojet-General Corporation and became a notable experiment in minority employment and economic development. By 1970, plans were announced to transfer much of the company\'s ownership to its employees, which would make it the country\'s largest minority employee-owned manufacturing enterprise at that time.
The original caption identifies:
- Leon O. Woods – General Manager, Watts Manufacturing Company
- Stan Borman – Los Angeles television personality
- William Marshall – Actor and master of ceremonies
- Event: Los Angeles Urban League “Ghetto Freedom Award”
- Company: Watts Manufacturing Company
- Location/Association: Compton / Los Angeles, California
An unusual original image documenting African American history, civil rights-era employment initiatives, Los Angeles history and Black economic development.
The original descriptive caption remains attached/present on the reverse and will be included with the photograph.
