This chapter traces the roots of the African American community artist in Los Angeles, California. It suggests that one of the most important community arts organizations was the movement begun in 1961 by trombonist and pianist Horace Tapscott. Though it was probably the least known outside of South Central Los Angeles, it offered the fullest expression of an alternative art. This chapter also discusses the communal aspects of African American culture in slavery and segregation and the post-segregation inequalities and cultural movements.