Voices of the community: Racial tension
Voices of the community: Remembering the Watts Riots
For many in the black community, this is not the first time they've seen these protests, or the second, or the third. Long-time residents recognize that when it comes to racial inequality, many things have not changed. But they also say many things have.
LOS ANGELES - Long before many of these protestors were even born there were those in the black community who also took to the streets. In 1965 frustration over police mistreatment and discrimination in housing and unemployment led to the Watts riots.
"It’s a feeling that you are nothin’, you’re nothin’, and half the time they call you nothin’," said Alice Harris.
Harris, known by many as 'Sweet Alice' was 30 at the time. She says she was a protestor, but she set out to make change by trying to help young people get jobs and a good education.
“We’re not where we should be. But, we’re sure in the hell not where we used to be," Harris said.
Though generations changed, she says the feelings of inequity never did. And, saw this week’s protests triggered by the death of George Floyd as a trigger to reignite the longstanding feeling of inequality.
In fact, that video of Floyd dying under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer was painful to her. It was also painful to Los Angeles City Councilman Herb Wesson.
“I don’t have the words to describe how upset I was when I saw that video. It brought tears to my eyes. Knots to my stomach and I thanked God nothing like that has ever happened to me," said Wesson.
To Wesson, the nation’s story of racial strife is the same as L.A.’s Story.
“This is the result of this country never atoning for its greatest crime. Its greatest crime was slavery,” Wesson said.
But, both Wesson and Harris want to take bad and turn it into something good.
“It's because we think differently. We don’t think we should be out doin' a riot. We think its that we should be here and find the young man and try to find clothes for him. Try to find food for their home. If they have children try to find clothes for their children. We try to fix it. Not to try to make it get bigger,” said Harris.
“Even though I’m saddened by it, we’re in a virus. We’re in a pandemic and I could rattle off another 20 names This could be our moment. This could be our time. Let’s rise up and take advantage of it,” Wesson said.
It doesn’t mean the pain isn’t there when they saw things they believe aren’t right -- when they see people take to the streets in 1965 -- or 2020.