A note on the Los Angeles Neighborhood of Watts. Until around 1940 it was predominantly Hispanic. At the time referred to as Mexican because California was at one time in Mexico, and the great majority of Hispanic immigrants were Mexican, particularly from the north. The cuisine in the area was what is sometimes called TexMex. It is a style of food common to northern Mexico.
When the second world war started southern California became a major center of war production. Demand for labor increased. Blacks started flooding into the area, drawn by jobs, and pushed by Jim Crow out of the south.
This article mentions the fictional character Fred Sanford as coming from St. Louis. The migration of blacks out of the south to California was mostly from Texas and Louisiana, due to the availability of transportation at the time. There were exceptions. From St. Louis Fred would have more likely wound up in South Chicago.
The man who built the Watts Towers was an Italian immigrant.
In the 1990s a new wave of immigration started turning Watts more brown again, and the cuisine started to include pupusas and mole. Southern, and Salvadoran cooking.
I read up a little and you’re exactly right. His family migrated to South Chicago before moving to LA after he entered show business. Also, his real name was John Elroy Sanford.
I learned some details of the black diaspora from a friend who did his dissertation on the subject. My dad was born in Watts to immigrants from Chihuahua. Higgins is a pen name.
I may have a different #1 but can't quibble with your choice. It's always been one of my faves and I enjoyed watching the show with my parents as a kid.
Great stuff. Foxx was from St. Louis too. There used to be a Redd Foxx Boulevard on the North Side. Not sure if it got renamed or not.
A note on the Los Angeles Neighborhood of Watts. Until around 1940 it was predominantly Hispanic. At the time referred to as Mexican because California was at one time in Mexico, and the great majority of Hispanic immigrants were Mexican, particularly from the north. The cuisine in the area was what is sometimes called TexMex. It is a style of food common to northern Mexico.
When the second world war started southern California became a major center of war production. Demand for labor increased. Blacks started flooding into the area, drawn by jobs, and pushed by Jim Crow out of the south.
This article mentions the fictional character Fred Sanford as coming from St. Louis. The migration of blacks out of the south to California was mostly from Texas and Louisiana, due to the availability of transportation at the time. There were exceptions. From St. Louis Fred would have more likely wound up in South Chicago.
The man who built the Watts Towers was an Italian immigrant.
In the 1990s a new wave of immigration started turning Watts more brown again, and the cuisine started to include pupusas and mole. Southern, and Salvadoran cooking.
I read up a little and you’re exactly right. His family migrated to South Chicago before moving to LA after he entered show business. Also, his real name was John Elroy Sanford.
I learned some details of the black diaspora from a friend who did his dissertation on the subject. My dad was born in Watts to immigrants from Chihuahua. Higgins is a pen name.
Thanks so much. This is great.
I may have a different #1 but can't quibble with your choice. It's always been one of my faves and I enjoyed watching the show with my parents as a kid.
What was your #1?
Hawaii 5-0.