Compton Communicative Arts Academy Collection MS.2006.001

Special Collections and Archives

Library South, Room 2079, 5151 State University Drive

Los Angeles, CA 90032

Business Number: (323)343-3960

SpecialCollections@calstatela.edu

URL: https://www.calstatela.edu/specialcollections

Contributing Institution: Special Collections and Archives

Title: Compton Communicative Arts Academy Collection

Identifier/Call Number: MS.2006.001

Identifier/Call Number: /repositories/2/resources/20

Physical Description: 10.21 Linear Feet

Date (bulk): 1968-1985

Abstract: The Compton Communicative Arts Academy (CCAA) archive preserves and documents a rare and visual narrative of postwar Black communities continuing efforts of representation in the greater Los Angeles from 1968-1985. The archives focal point is the Black Arts Movement and the integral role played by the Communicative Arts Academy (CAA).

Language of Material: English .

Biographical / Historical

The Compton Communicative Arts Academy (CCAA) archive preserves and documents a rare and visual narrative of postwar Black communities continuing efforts of representation in the greater Los Angeles from 1968-1985. The archives focal point is the Black Arts Movement and the integral role played by the Communicative Arts Academy (CAA).

CAA originated from the Compton – Willowbrook – Enterprise Community Action Agency (CWECCA) which was established in 1967 by The Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) to create and fund Community Action Programs (CAP's) also known as "anti-poverty programs." CAA offered programming in visual arts (sculpture, photography, and printing), performing arts (theater, dance, and music), and utilitarian arts (textiles, garment, bi-lingual expression). CAA saw art as an attainment of functional assets that could be of use for career attainment. Participants received incentive bonus as compensation for their attendance all the while exploring personal efficiency, constructing outlets for creative expression, and collaborating with people who shared similar interest. CAA provided a recording studio, a coffee house, a photo lab etc. This space was available yearly from 10am-10pm.

During the inception of OEO programs, Ford was sought out to be the Photography Coordinator of the CAA. Previously, Ford had been a color film processor and chemical mixer at A&G Photo Lab and Hecht Custom Color Lab. Ford was also a Community Coordinator at the University of Southern California (USC) where he was in charge of documenting educator's experiences and attitudes towards their immediate communities.

Over the years Willie Ford's images resulted in compilations of paintings and murals by prominent Black artists of the time including John Outterbridge and Elliott Pinkney. The images also consist of musical performances by CAA's band "The Communicative Artists" and theatrical performances by "The Robeson Players." Further, the photographs capture CAA's office management by predominantly Black women, Head Start ceremonies, sculpture instruction, dance instruction, band practice, performances, conferences, festivals etc. Finally, the publications demonstrate CAA efforts in disseminating information about their institution. This includes information about their origins, mini biographies of prominent people, and brochures promoting their workshops.

The visuals reaffirm that CAA proved to be a vital platform of self-empowerment and self-representation for and by Compton's Black residents. The archive represents daily communal efforts in creating art centered platforms that encapsulate history, memory, testimony, culture, and political views.

Conditions Governing Access

Access by appointment. Contact Special Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Existence and Location of Originals

California State University, Los Angeles, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, Special Collections and Archives

Preferred Citation

Folder title, Series, Box number, Collection title, followed by Special Collections and Archives, John F. Kennedy Memorial Library, California State University, Los Angeles

Scope and Contents

The materials in the Compton Communicative Arts Academy (CCAA) archive were created from 1968-1985 by Communicative Arts Academy's (CAA) coordinator of photography, Willie Ford. The bulk of this collection contains negatives ranging from 35mm negatives, 35mm negative slides, and 120mm negatives followed by photographs, and publications. The visual narrative contains information on events surrounding the CCA. The collection details a visual historical narrative of the city of Compton through the arts. The collection documents and preserves Black memory, testimony, tradition, and culture in Compton.

Some of the materials for the Compton Communicative Arts Academy have been digitized on the Online Archive of California (OAC) a free domain accessible to the public. The 200 items in this digital collection were selected from an unorganized collection of over 4,100 photographs, negatives, slides and ephemera by two faculty members from the Library and the Liberal Studies Department. The criteria for selection were images that illustrated buildings, places, programming, artwork, performances, people, events, and Willie Ford as a photographer. This phase of the project was part of the California Local History Digital Resources Project supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Compton (Calif.)

Black Arts movement

African American art

Photography--Negatives

Negatives

Artists and Community--California--Los Angeles

Photographs

Publications

Negatives Series I/repositories/2/archival_objects/2007 1968-1985

120mm Negatives Subseries a/repositories/2/archival_objects/2008

box 1

Ann Stewart, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2014

box 1

Gordon Gerrard, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2015

box 1

Head Start, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2016

box 1

Mini Conference, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2017

box 1

Recie, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2018

box 1

California Arts, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2019

box 1

The Communicative Artists (Band), 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2020

box 1

Head Start Trip to Lake Arrowhead, California, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2021

box 1

Motorcycle Show, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2022

box 1

Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2023

box 1

Robeson Players (Theatre), 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2024

box 1

A Play: "5 on the BH Side" (Five on the Blackhand Side), 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2025

box 1

City Clerk, 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2026

box 1

June's Artwork, 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2027

box 1

NACD, 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2028

box 1

Rama, 1974 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2029

box 1

Whale Arts, 1975-1976 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2030

box 1

Elliott Pinkney, 1977 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2031

box 1

Judson Powell, 1980 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2032

box 1

Compton City Hall, Heritage House, Library, 1985 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2033

box 2

Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2034

box 2

Arena: Black Journal, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2035

box 2

Arena: First Band, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2036

box 2

Art by: Charles Dickens, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2037

box 2

Award Ceremony, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2038

box 2

B.A.C., u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2039

box 2

Band at Wedding and Art Reception, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2040

box 2

Black Muslim, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2041

box 2

Board Members, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2042

box 2

Bo Bob Simmons, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2043

box 2

Boxing, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2044

box 2

Boxing and Mr. Sanchez Party, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2045

box 2

Bridge Club, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2046

box 2

Brothers and Sisters, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2047

box 2

C.A.A. (Communicative Arts Academy) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2048

box 2

C.A.A.: The Communicative Artists (Band) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2049

box 2

C.A.A.: Recording Studio, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2050

box 2

C.A.A.: Staff (John Outterbridge and Robert Bun.) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2051

box 2

Clean-Up, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2052

box 2

Compton Community College: Man's Best Friend, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2053

box 2

Compton Multi-Purpose Center (342 W. Alondra), u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2054

box 2

CWE: Los Angeles City Hall, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2055

box 2

CWE: Mr. Dean, Mr. Pope, Kay, Stephanie, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2056

box 2

CWE: Staff, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2057

box 2

Cynthia Mosely, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2058

box 2

Dance Company, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2059

box 2

Dance Instruction at Studio, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2060

box 2

Dancers, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2061

box 2

December 25th Show, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2062

box 2

Drama, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2063

box 2

Drill Team, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2064

box 3

Elliott Pinkney : 1973 Monument is Burned (Watts) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2065

box 3

Elliott Pinkney : "Spirits of America" Mural, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2066

box 3

Elliott Pinkney : Uknown Mural, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2067

box 3

Elliott and Arnold Pinkney : "Ethnic Simplicity", u.d. and "Commemoration" Mural, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2068

box 3

Elliott and Arnold Pinkney : "Medicare" Mural, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2069

box 3

Eric and Denise Tatum, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2070

box 3

Foot Sculpture, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2071

box 3

Gwen Copage, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2072

box 3

Happening House, C.A.A.: Arts and Crafts, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2073

box 3

Head Start: Party, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2074

box 3

Horace Tabscott, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2075

box 3

Jackie King, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2076

box 3

Janice Lolitan, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2077

box 3

Jackson Show, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2078

box 3

Jo Carrington and Family with Mayor Doris Davis, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2079

box 3

John Outterbridge, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2080

box 3

Kemp Factor, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2081

box 3

Ken Davis, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2082

box 3

Ken Daughtry, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2083

box 3

Leon Ralph, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2084

box 3

Marie and Recid, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2085

box 3

Meeting, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2086

box 3

Monument and Sculpture, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2087

box 3

Mothers, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2088

box 3

Motorcycle, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2089

box 3

Mrs. Spencer, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2090

box 3

Musical Performance at Field, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2091

box 3

Musicians Pose Outside of Home, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2092

box 3

NACD, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2093

box 3

Nate, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2094

box 3

New York City, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2095

box 4

Ossie Davis at Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2096

box 4

Paul's Bakery Surplus, Rosecrans Race Way, 101 Ballroom, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2097

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Performance, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2098

box 4

Photo Lab, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2099

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Photo Lab : Outdoor Lighting, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2100

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Photo Lab : Portrait Lighting, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2101

box 4

Portraits, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2102

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Powell, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2103

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Private Property Photo Shoot, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2104

box 4

Raiva, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2105

box 4

Robert, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2106

box 4

Ruth Emerson, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2107

box 4

Senior Citizens: Center, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2108

box 4

Senior Citizens: Thanksgiving Dinner, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2109

box 4

St. Louis, Missouri, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2110

box 4

"Take A Look" - The Play, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2111

box 4

The Communicative Artists (Band) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2112

box 4

Troy and Carolyn, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2113

box 4

Tubman High School, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2114

box 4

Urban Corp, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2115

box 4

Walter and Willie, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2116

box 4

Walter Burrell, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2117

box 4

Watts Housing, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2118

box 4

White House Tea, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2119

35mm Negatives Subseries b/repositories/2/archival_objects/2009

box 5

Cookie Nelson and Gwen Copage, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2120

box 5

Gwen Copage, 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2121

box 5

The Communicative Artists (Band), 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2122

box 5

Boxing and Head Start Party, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2123

box 5

Communicative Arts Academy Meeting with La Mirada, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2124

box 5

Robeson Players, 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2125

box 5

The Communicative Artists (Band), 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2126

box 5

Bro Wali and Wendell Kincey, 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2127

box 5

Robeson Players, 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2128

box 5

Watts Summer, 1974 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2129

box 5

Yvonne Meo, 1976 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2130

box 5

Elliott Pinkney Murals, 1980 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2131

box 5

"5 on the BH Side" (Five on the Blackhand Side) , u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2132

box 5

Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2133

box 5

Arena Shot, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2134

box 5

Art by: Arene, Jo French, Charles Tatum, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2135

box 5

Art by: Charles Dickenson, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2136

box 5

Art by: Cynthia Mosely, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2137

box 5

Art by: John Outterbridge, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2138

box 5

Art by: Ken Davis and Leah Herod, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2139

box 5

Art by: Tom Emery and Veronica, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2140

box 5

Art Exhibit, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2141

box 5

Bennett Medical Building, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2142

box 5

Black Muslim, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2143

box 5

Bobby Gilmore, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2144

box 5

Boxing and M.C., u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2145

box 5

C.A.A.: Banquet, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2146

box 5

C.A.A.: Classes, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2147

box 5

C.A.A.: CWA Staff, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2148

box 5

C.A.A.: Exterior, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2149

box 5

C.A.A.: Information Desk, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2150

box 5

C.A.A.: Office Senior Citizens, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2151

box 5

Charles Tatum, John Outterbridge, Tom Emery at Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2152

box 5

Child on Horse, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2153

box 5

Child with Glasses, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2154

box 5

The Communicative Artists, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2155

box 5

The Communicative Artists at Bro. Church, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2156

box 5

The Communicative Arts College, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2157

box 5

Compton Multi-Purpose Center, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2158

box 5

County Youth Activities Center, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2159

box 5

C.W. Arena, J. Powell, John Outterbridge Painting, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2160

box 5

Dancing, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2161

box 5

Empty Lot, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2162

box 5

Fashion Show and Shate at Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2163

box 6

Gwen Copage, Burkley Paris Styles, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2164

box 6

Happening House : Art Class with Ruth Emerson, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2165

box 6

Happening House : Meeting, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2166

box 6

Head Start, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2167

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Horace Tabscott, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2168

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Jean Ford, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2169

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John Outterbridge and Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2170

box 6

John Outterbridge and Family Arena, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2171

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John Outterbridge at Oregon, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2172

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KCET, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2173

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KCET Mask, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2174

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Ken Jones, John O., Ruth Emerson, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2175

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King Solomon and Moses, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2176

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Merle Chi-Hee Dancers, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2177

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Motorcycle Funeral, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2178

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Mrs. Stevens, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2179

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Music Center Band L.A., u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2180

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Musical Performance, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2181

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NACD – Chi, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2182

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Olympic Hotel, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2183

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Paul Robeson Players Presents, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2184

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Performance, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2185

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Performance "America" on backdrop, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2186

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Pornoff, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2187

box 6

Portraits, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2188

box 6

Raiva, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2189

box 6

Rehearsal at C.A.C., u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2190

box 6

Remodeling Near Watts Towers, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2191

box 6

Ruth Emerson and John Outterbridge Art, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2192

box 6

South Central Health Services and Children at Play, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2193

box 6

Statue of an Angel, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2194

box 6

Troy Robinson Communicative Artists, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2195

box 6

White Dove Mural Shoots, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2196

35mm Slides Subseries c/repositories/2/archival_objects/2010

box 7

August 1968 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2197

box 7

September 1970 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2198

box 7

January 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2199

box 7

March 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2200

box 7

April 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2201

box 7

June 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2202

box 7

July 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2203

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August 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2204

box 7

October 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2205

box 7

December 1971 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2206

box 7

January 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2207

box 7

February 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2208

box 7

March 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2209

box 8

May 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2210

box 8

July 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2211

box 8

August 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2212

box 8

October 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2213

box 8

November 1972 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2214

box 8

February 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2215

box 8

August 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2216

box 8

November 1973 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2217

box 8

June 1975 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2218

box 8

October 1977 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2219

box 8

Undated /repositories/2/archival_objects/2220

Photographs Series II/repositories/2/archival_objects/2011

Language of Material: English.

box 9

5x5 Images, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2221

box 9

"5 on the BH Side" (Five on the Blackhand Side), u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2222

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Artwork, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2223

box 9

Carol Greene, Ruth Waddy, Claude Booker, u.d /repositories/2/archival_objects/2224

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Dance Troupe Directed by Wanda Brown, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2225

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Funeral Hosted by C.A.A. for a Member of Southern California Motorcycle Club, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2226

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Happening House, C.A.A., u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2227

box 9

Performances, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2228

box 9

Photo Lab, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2229

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Portraits, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2230

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Reproduction of Negatives in Color, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2231

box 9

The Communicative Artists (Band), u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2232

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Troy Robinson, Musical Director of The Communicative Artists (Band), u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2233

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Watts Aspiring Artist Group, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2234

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Willie Ford's Storage, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2235

Publications Series III/repositories/2/archival_objects/2012 1970-1980

Language of Material: English.

box 10

"A small plant . . ." by John Outterbridge, 1980 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2236

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Communicative Arts Academy Inc. Pamphlets, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2237

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Murals in Compton: A California Arts Council Special Project, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2238

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The First Step, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2239

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"Watts Towers Art Center Dedicated", 1976 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2240

box 10

Newworld Vol 1. No. 3 : "The Communicative Arts Academy: A Means of Fulfillment" by Cynthia Bayete, 1975 /repositories/2/archival_objects/2241

Local History Digital Resource Project Series IV/repositories/2/archival_objects/2013

box 11

Communicative Arts Academy, Inc. Photographic Archive of 35mm Negatives, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2242

box 11

Communicative Arts Academy, Inc. Photographic Archive of 120mm Negatives, u.d. /repositories/2/archival_objects/2243