INNER-CITY WATCH : Watts Line

Businesses both small and large fled the inner city after the 1965 Watts riots. The economic exodus cost South-Central more than 177,000 jobs. The unbearable unemployment was one of many reasons for residents to leave, but Ted Watkins stayed and fought to improve his community until his death this week at 71.

Against heavy odds and all urban trends, Watkins founded the Watts Labor Community Action Committee to provide job training, employment and housing in the poor and working-class community. With the help of a dozen labor unions and other powerful supporters, Watkins’ organization offered job programs, developed affordable housing and operated small businesses including a coin-operated laundry, a furniture and appliance store, a building supply store and a toy store.

In the years before governments were too broke to address pressing urban problems, Watkins won federal, state and local grants to help youths, the elderly and everyone between. A familiar figure in Watts, he was equally comfortable among the poor and the powerful. His connections, and his perseverance, paid off.

Homelessness was high on his agenda. He ran a shelter and sought to raise $1 million to help more people get off the streets. A memorial fund will carry on his good work.

Ted Watkins refused to give up on Watts. His Watts Labor Foundation Committee--rebuilt after the complex at 109th Street and Central Avenue was damaged during the 1992 riots, helped thousands find a job, a decent place to live and a way out of poverty.