Watts Riots Erupt in Los Angeles
August 11th, 1965
August 11th, 1965
How Long Ago?
59 years, 7 months, 4 days ago
Location
Los Angeles, California, United States
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Marquette Frye
- Mayor Sam Yorty
- Governor Edmund G. Brown
Links & References
Tags
Watts Riots Erupt in Los Angeles
The Watts Riots began in Los Angeles, California, ignited by an incident involving the arrest of Marquette Frye, a young African American man. The arrest, which was perceived as racially motivated, led to widespread anger among the local community, resulting in six days of violent civil disorder. Over a thousand buildings were damaged, and numerous confrontations occurred between the police and rioters. The unrest spread due to longstanding issues of racial inequality and police brutality.
Triggered by police arrest of Marquette Frye
Lasted six days from August 11 to 17, 1965
Over 1,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed
Brought national attention to racial tensions
What Happened?
Over the course of six days, from August 11 to August 17, 1965, the riots resulted in 34 deaths, a significant number of injuries, and extensive property damage. More than 1,000 buildings were either damaged or destroyed, with black-owned businesses disproportionately affected. The National Guard was eventually called in to restore order, as the violence had escalated beyond local law enforcement's control. The Watts Riots highlighted the intense racial tensions simmering in urban centers, born out of socioeconomic disparities and systemic discrimination. It represented a tipping point for the civil rights movement, prompting a national discussion on race relations in America.
Why Does it Matter?
The Watts Riots are often cited as a wake-up call regarding racial inequality in America. The media coverage brought national attention to the struggles faced by African Americans in the inner cities, which had been largely ignored. Subsequent to the riots, the Kerner Commission was established to investigate the causes of the unrest, concluding that the nation was moving toward two societies, one black and one white, separate and unequal. This moment propelled discourse on civil rights, socioeconomic disparity, and police reform, having long-lasting effects on U.S. policies regarding urban communities.
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