Watts Riot
Background
1960s was the time of rapid social changes. The various groups of people who had been oppressed by the society started to stir up for their equal rights. The biggest and most famous ethnic group stood up and fought for their equality under the constitution was Blacks. Although there were multiple trials to establish the social status for blacks since reconstruction, blacks had to face political, social and economical discriminations. The rising problem of rural poverty was extremely severe among blacks. As whites moving out to suburbs, more and more inner-city neighborhoods became home for poor, “ghettoes” from which there was no easy escape. (Brinkley, 745) High crime rates, social instability, and racial injustice hovered over these ghettoes. The Watts Riot, the both largest and costliest urban rebellion of civil rights era was placed in one of ghettoes (Civil Rights Digital Library).
1960s was the time of rapid social changes. The various groups of people who had been oppressed by the society started to stir up for their equal rights. The biggest and most famous ethnic group stood up and fought for their equality under the constitution was Blacks. Although there were multiple trials to establish the social status for blacks since reconstruction, blacks had to face political, social and economical discriminations. The rising problem of rural poverty was extremely severe among blacks. As whites moving out to suburbs, more and more inner-city neighborhoods became home for poor, “ghettoes” from which there was no easy escape. (Brinkley, 745) High crime rates, social instability, and racial injustice hovered over these ghettoes. The Watts Riot, the both largest and costliest urban rebellion of civil rights era was placed in one of ghettoes (Civil Rights Digital Library).
Overview
In August 11th 1965, Marquette Frye, a 21-year-old black man, was arrested for drunk driving on the edge of Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood. While the officer was interrogating Marquette, big crowd started to form around the scene. When Marquette’s mother, Mrs. Frye saw her son being forcibly arrested, she fought with the arresting officers, tearing one officer’s shirt. An officer then struck Marquette’s head with his nightstick, and all three of the Fryes were arrested (Martin Luther King Jr. and the Global Freedom Struggles). Despite the fact that Marquette was actually drunk, the scene seemed like another incident racially motivated abuse by the police (History.com). The crowd got mad and the riot started instantly. Riot continued for 6 days; more than 34 people died, 1000 wounded, and an estimated $50 - $100 million in property damage (A Huey P. Newton Story).
In August 11th 1965, Marquette Frye, a 21-year-old black man, was arrested for drunk driving on the edge of Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood. While the officer was interrogating Marquette, big crowd started to form around the scene. When Marquette’s mother, Mrs. Frye saw her son being forcibly arrested, she fought with the arresting officers, tearing one officer’s shirt. An officer then struck Marquette’s head with his nightstick, and all three of the Fryes were arrested (Martin Luther King Jr. and the Global Freedom Struggles). Despite the fact that Marquette was actually drunk, the scene seemed like another incident racially motivated abuse by the police (History.com). The crowd got mad and the riot started instantly. Riot continued for 6 days; more than 34 people died, 1000 wounded, and an estimated $50 - $100 million in property damage (A Huey P. Newton Story).