Friends At Mafundi [F.A.M.] would like to extend our appreciation once again to everyone who has signed our petition and/or written letters to CD15 Councilman Joe Buscaino. We are happy to share that on April 15, 2021, the Cultural Heritage Commission voted to take the nomination for the Watts Happening Cultural Center/ Mafundi Building into consideration. We had many supporters attend the meeting and speak in favor of the nomination, including CD15 Planning Deputy on behalf of Councilman Buscaino. This is a victory for Friends At Mafundi and the community of Watts. We will be happy to keep you updated on our continued efforts to save the Mafundi Building and revive its arts and cultural programs when you email us [friendsatmafundi@gmail.com] and put “KEEP ME UPDATED” in the subject line, or visit our website [friendsatmafundi.org].

NOW DIG THIS!  As we were preparing this update, we received another piece of exciting news - in no small part as a result of your actions, the City of Los Angeles has withdrawn and cancelled the RFP [Request For Proposal] for the Watts Happening Culture Center. This is yet another victory for Friends At Mafundi and the community of Watts.

NEXT STEPS: Expressions of support are crucial as we prepare for the final hearing where the Cultural Heritage Commission will make their recommendation on whether the building should be designated a historic-cultural landmark. We ask that you once again send letters of support for the nomination to the Cultural Heritage Commission [chc@lacity.org]. This time please cc friendsatmafundi.com.

*Pictured-Participants in the 2021 F.A.M. Black History Month Poetry Jam . "Building Community Through Art & Culture"