Memories of Speed Leas

In 1965 I was a Community Leader as a Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader and an Activist in my community.

Speed Leas was assigned to Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Watts, California as Minister; from 1965 to 1971, around the corner from our home.

As a Den mother, our youth meetings were held in our home. Because of my involvement with the youth I got the attention of Speed Leas. Speed Leas hired me as his secretary. Speed and I began to walk through-out the neighborhood we lived in to build unity within our community.

Emmanuel United Church of Christ opened a “Family Planning Center,” providing healthcare services, pap smears and education on contraceptives.

Then the 1965 “Watts Riot” took place. Speed became the connector and liaison between the political leadership in Los Angeles and the Watts community. Activists that supported Speed in his involvement joined forces and came to the Watts community with their financial and leadership support.

A “Great Change in the Making”

It was suggested by William Marshall that Emmanuel United Church of Christ develop a Teen Post for the youth in our community.

Speed Leas accepted the challenge and led the church in opening the first “Teen Post” in Los Angeles County. Shortly thereafter the opening of a “Child Care Center” followed.

From the “Teen Post” came the “Watts Coffee House” a safe place for youth to come, feel safe and recite poems, poetry, and display their talents.

The birth of the “Watts Writers Workshop” was developed. Today this site is still in existence and operates as Mufundi.

One of the “Teen Post” Youth became a successful High School Principal by the name of Thaddeus Jackson. Out of the Teen Post came many successful youth.

Speed was an Activist with the Cesar Chavez Movement and provided housing for the Activists who were a part of the “Grape Workers Movement” for over a year inside of Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

Speed was an outstanding leader a positive role model and a dedicated leader in changing a Community during a crisis moment in history. My memory of Speed’s compassion is when Speed took in three children and raised them as his own.

My personal memory with Speed is when my husband and I attended his wedding and I was the Maid of Honor and my husband was Speed’s Best Man. Pastor Speed Leas married our daughter, Paula to Ricky Butler in 1971?

Yearly, I receive a card or letter from Speed. Our memories will live on in time.

We had the best life that everyone should have had, loving and working in our community, thanks to Speed for making it happen.