Today marks the 58^th commemoration of the Watts Riots.  Trivia buffs know this, but most do not:

• The Riots did not start in Watts

Los Angeles is a large city.  It is split into many neighborhoods and communities.  For some, even African Americans think “Watts” is anything south of the I-10 (Santa Monica freeway).

 In reality or being technical, Watts is a relatively small enclave of Los Angeles.  The South border is Imperial Highway.  The North border is Firestone Blvd. The East border is Alameda Street.  The West border is Central Avenue

So, if the Riots did not start in Watts where did they start or what caused the spark?

The Riots started from an altercation with the California Highway Patrol and the Marquette Frye family.  The location was an apartment complex on the west side of Avalon Blvd. near 115^th Street.  Technically that area is considered South Los Angeles or today South-Central Los Angeles.

Approximately two miles northeast, Watts had a primary business district on 103^rd Street which became a hot spot as members of the community set it ablaze.  Hence the name, “The Watts Riots”