The Watts Rebellion, also known as the Watts Riots, was a civil disturbance that took place in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California in August 1965. The rebellion was triggered by longstanding racial tensions, economic inequality, and police brutality in the predominantly Black community of Watts.

The catalyst for the rebellion was an incident involving Marquette Frye, a young African American man who was stopped by the police for suspicion of drunk driving. The situation escalated, leading to his arrest, and a crowd began to gather around the scene. Tensions mounted as rumors spread that the police had mistreated Frye and his family, sparking frustration and anger among residents in the community.

Over the course of six days, the Watts Rebellion resulted in widespread violence, looting, and arson, with buildings and vehicles set on fire and clashes between residents and law enforcement. The National Guard was called in to restore order, and by the end of the unrest, 34 people had been killed, over 1,000 injured, and hundreds of buildings damaged or destroyed.

The Watts Rebellion was a turning point in the Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the systemic racism and social injustices facing Black communities in the United States. It brought attention to issues such as poverty, unemployment, and police brutality, and sparked conversations about the need for social and economic reform to address the root causes of racial inequality.

The legacy of the Watts Rebellion continues to resonate today as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America.