The Zoot Suit Riots

On June 3rd, 1943, a group of about 50 sailors left the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center in Chavez, Raveen. They specifically looked for and attacked anyone wearing a zoot suit. In response, thousands of servicemen came to downtown Los Angeles from as far away as San Diego. Cab drivers offered the servicemen free rides, and they attacked people not only in Mexican neighborhoods, but also in predominantly black neighborhood of Watts.