The Watts Rebellion, also known as the Watts Riots, was a large-scale uprising that took place in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California in August 1965. The rebellion was sparked by longstanding racial tensions, economic inequality, and police brutality in the area.

The catalyst for the rebellion was a traffic stop involving a Black motorist, Marquette Frye, who was stopped by a white California Highway Patrol officer for drunk driving. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a confrontation between local residents and law enforcement officers. The arrest of Frye and his family members, as well as rumors of police brutality, further fueled the anger and frustration of the community.

The rebellion lasted for six days, during which time there was widespread looting, arson, and violence in the neighborhood. The National Guard was called in to restore order, and ultimately, 34 people were killed, over 1,000 injured, and more than 3,400 arrested.

The Watts Rebellion was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and brought national attention to issues of systemic racism and social injustice faced by Black Americans. It also highlighted the need for addressing economic disparities and investing in marginalized communities to prevent future unrest.