Today in history: On August 11, 1965 – Race riots (the Watts Riots) begin in the Watts area of Los Angeles, California.

 

On August 11, 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles, California, marking one of the most significant urban uprisings in U.S. history. The unrest began after a confrontation between a young Black man, Marquette Frye, and white California Highway Patrol officers during a traffic stop for suspected drunk driving. The situation escalated when onlookers, angered by what they perceived as police harassment and brutality, began to clash with officers. Years of racial tension, high unemployment, inadequate housing, and systemic discrimination had already created a volatile atmosphere, and the incident acted as the spark that ignited widespread outrage.

On August 11, 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts in Los Angeles, California, marking one of the most significant urban uprisings in U.S. history. The unrest began after a confrontation between a young Black man, Marquette Frye, and white California Highway Patrol officers during a traffic stop for suspected drunk driving. The situation escalated when onlookers, angered by what they perceived as police harassment and brutality, began to clash with officers. Years of racial tension, high unemployment, inadequate housing, and systemic discrimination had already created a volatile atmosphere, and the incident acted as the spark that ignited widespread outrage.

See also: Today in history On August 11, 1929