Hearts for Heroes : Hahn Is First Watts Honoree in Display of Success Symbols

Images and symbols do not define the substance of a community--but the negative ones can wash over its citizens like a corrosion, hiding the local heroes, quiet and celebrated alike, who should be held up as role models.

So it was that Dr. James Mays and friends struck back Wednesday, unveiling their own formula to help loosen the corrosion and return some shine to Watts.

Along the edge of Will Rogers County Park at 103rd and Success streets--an appropriate intersection for an undertaking like this--Mays and other community leaders unveiled their Promenade of Prominence, a sidewalk showcase to inspire generations to come.

A Different Shape

Hollywood has its Walk of Fame and marks it with stars. In Watts, the tribute comes in the shape of a heart, etched in granite. And the first one was dedicated Wednesday to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn.

“For all the honors I’ve received, this will mean the most, because it’s from the heart of the people of Watts,” pronounced Hahn, emotionally moved by the unveiling.

Every three months, another name will be added to the Promenade of Prominence, said Mays, a successful cardiologist, community benefactor and activist who--because the sponsoring Watts-Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce did not have the funds--personally covered the cost of the first installation himself. He and chamber officials hope private sponsors will finance future installations.

“There is such a great deal of negativity in the image of South-Central Los Angeles,” Mays said. “Children should be able to come here, walk down this sidewalk and see the names of people who are making a contribution to this world. Maybe, one day they’ll see their own names in the Promenade of Prominence.”

Matter of Recognition

Other area leaders share the dream.

“Very often, in any community, the people who try to create social and institutional change are unrecognized. Or, if they are, it’s fleeting,” said Bill Loggins, director of the Watts Counseling and Learning Center, and one of about 100 people who attended the ceremony. “This is a way to give them some prominence.

“People relate to symbols. Look at Grauman’s Chinese Theater,” he said. “People identify with people enshrined in those plaques. It stimulates questions: Who is he? What did he do? So maybe this (promenade) will stimulate youngsters to do community service as they get older.”

The idea of such a sidewalk honor had been kicked around by Watts-area leaders for about 10 years.

Mays--who has written books, created a black hero-based comic book, promoted improved medical services in the area and founded the national Adopt-A-Family Endowment--moved the concept off the back burner about six months ago.

He got advice from Hollywood Chamber of Commerce officials, who warned, good naturedly, to stay clear of the star logo, Mays said.

“I don’t need a star,” Mays told them. “This (heart) is more significant than a star. A heart is the seat of the soul.”

Mays also added a dove to the design, for its symbolism of peace and love.

“Who could want peace and love more than the people of South-Central Los Angeles?” he asked.

And he added a tree, for its roots of strength.

Other Honorees

Among other honorees considered by Mays and the Watts-Willowbrook Chamber of Commerce were Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley; Ted Watkins, executive director of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, and state Assemblywoman Maxine Waters, who represents the area. But everyone agreed to give the charter heart to Hahn, for his history of contributions to the area.

“He’s not just mouth. He’s deeds,” Mays said of the veteran supervisor.

Future choices for heartdom may include the famous--perhaps an Olympic gold medalist--or well-known community leaders, or relatively unknown, unsung heroes, Mays said.

“It may be an old lady who has worked tirelessly in church for so many years to save souls and save lives,” he said. “It may be someone the public doesn’t know, but his peers will, and he will be an inspiration for them.”