Which Way, L.A.?
Watts 50 Years after the Riots
When the Watts Riots broke out 50 years ago, the neighborhood was a black ghetto. There was too much poverty, too little education and pervasive police brutality. The Riots are also called the Rebellion. We talk with two people who were on the scene. Now, Watts is predominantly Latino. We'll hear what else has changed…and what remains the same.
By Warren Olney • • 29m ListenWhen the Watts Riots broke out 50 years ago, the neighborhood was a black ghetto. There was too much poverty, too little education and pervasive police brutality. The Riots are also called the Rebellion. We talk with two people who were on the scene. Now, Watts is predominantly Latino. We'll hear what else has changed…and what remains the same.
Also, the new film, Straight Outta Compton premiers on Friday, recalling the days of the gansta rap group NWA and how they staged a different kind of rebellion.
Photo: Jengod
In this episode
2 storiesRiots, Rebellion and Rethinking Watts
August 12, 1965, was Day Two of the Watts Riots. KCRW's Saul Gonzalez has the background on how they began. Then we speak with two people who were on the scene to find out what has changed and what has stayed the same.
Read the story21 min'Straight Outta Compton' Reminds LA of Its Past
Years after the Watts Riots, the City of Compton became synonymous with poverty, street gangs and rampant violence. It has changed, too. But Friday is the opening day of the new film, Straight Outta Compton — about the West Coast rap group NWA — back in the day.
Read the story8 min
