African American taxi driver Rodney King was severely beaten by
Los Angeles police officers on this day in 1991 during an arrest
that followed a pursuit through the streets of Los Angeles. The
scene was captured on amateur video, one of the first police
brutality videos of its kind. It forever changed the conversation
about police and race in America.
Over six nights in April, 53 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured; property damage topped $1 billion.
National Guardsmen patrol Los Angeles during the rioting after the acquittal of officers involved in the beating of Rodney King.
The first issue of Time magazine was published on this day in 1923
by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce. It was the first weekly news
magazine in the United States. The distinctive red border for which
the magazine has come to be known was lacking. On the cover
was the now-obscure Joseph G. Cannon, former House Speaker.
.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at a
civil rights rally in Washington, DC. on this day in 1963. Over 200,000
people attended.
It was on this day in 1968.
It was on this day in 1955.
J. W. Milam, 36, and half-brother Roy Bryant, 24, confer with one of
their lawyers J.W. Kellum, right, just before pleading innocent, Sept.
6, 1955 at Sumner, MS. They were charged with kidnapping Emmett
Till, a 14-year-old black youth who they claim “made some remarks”
and whistled at Bryant’s wife.
A divorce decree was issued for Britain’s Charles and Princess Diana
on this day in 1996. This was the official end to the 15-year marriage.