August 11-16, 1965 Riots Break Out in Watts Riots in the Watts area of Los Angeles leave 34 dead and more than a thousand injured. The arrest of a young African American man charged with reckless driving sparks the violence, but its underlying causes are mass unemployment, poor living conditions, and other forms of systemic racism. Visible from across the neighborhood, the Watts Towers art project serves as a source of pride, bearing silent witness to change.
MoreThe Struggle for Civil Rights 1960–1978
Smithsonian Institution22 places
Still haven't been to the spectacular Watts Towers? This is the perfect opportunity to check out the iconic sculpture, constructed from broken dishes, bottles, tiles, pottery, rocks, seashells and more, items salvaged from the area by Simon Rodia in the early part of the 20th century. Today, the Watts Towers Art Center, adjacent to the Towers, displays contemporary art, provides tours of the Towers and offers art classes, for local youth and special needs adults.
MoreLA Spots to Learn About Black History
Tinybeans8 places