Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Notes: Watts, California

Notes: Questions to consider

What factors led to the current gang situation in Watts?

Why and how did it spread across the country?

Important Dates

1940: Mostly black population living in housing projects (Nickerson Gardens, Jordan Downs, Imperial Courts) built to house workers in war industries during WWII.

August 11th, 1965: Resentment towards Police and poor public services (schools, hospitals) led to Watt Riots.

1970’s: Gangs gain strength, 1989-2005 more than 500 homicides, mostly gang-related.

1992: Rodney King Riots; Grape Street Watts Crips, Bounty Hunter Watts Bloods, PJ Watts Crips form the Watts Truce.


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