Women of Watts is a community organization that was founded in 2004 by Lydia Friend. Lydia is a community activist and long-time resident of Watts. In incorporating Women of Watts, Lydia sought to create an organization that would serve in multiple capacities, such as serving food, hosting holiday giveaways, mentoring, and advocating for change for the residents of the Watts community.
Once a year for the past 14 years, Lydia and the Women of Watts foundation have held a “Stop the Violence March” featuring a Children’s Zones, Carnival Games, Free Rides and Free Food for the community by the community.
This year (2017) Via Trading was honored to be able to play a small role in the event by donating pallets of Toys, Bedding & General Merchandise to be handed out as Carnival Gifts and used in the Children’s Zone.
Since the first Stop the Violence March 14 years ago, Lydia and the Women of Watts foundation have grown from a mere dozen participants to thousands showing the power of positivity and Lydia’s desire to bring people together for the greater good.
Thank you for letting us be a part of change.
