USH 18-3 Urban Problems The Watts Riot – Inner-city Los Angeles Predominantly African-American – Rioting over allegations of police brutality – 34 people killed – 900 injured – $45 million in property damages

Urban Problems The Kerner Commission – Study causes of recent riots – Make recommendation to stop future rioting – “America is becoming two nations” (Black and White) – Recommendations: Create 2 million inner-city jobs Construction of 6 million public housing units Federal government must fight “defacto” segregation – “defacto”: a matter of fact even if not law Pres. Johnson does not endorse the recommendations – Cost of Vietnam War main reason

Black Power Many African-Americans turn away from M.L. King’s call for non-violent action A more aggressive form of protest Stokely Carmichael – Leader of movement – Adopt “afro” hairstyle and African-style clothes

Black Power Malcolm X – Became symbol of Black Power movement – Joined Nation of Islam Believed African-Americans should form own society in America – Eventually left Nation of Islam

Black Power The Black Panthers – Organized by Huey Newton Bobby Seale Eldridge Cleaver – Called for a violent revolution

King Assassinated African-American unity splintered King goes to Memphis for a march Assassinated by sniper on hotel balcony – More than one hundred riots the following weeks – Civil rights movement lacks vision and unity