The acquittal of four white law enforcement officers for their videotaped beating of truck driver Rodney King resulted in days of citywide riots in Los Angeles, California. Throughout the days of rioting, CRS worked with Korean American, African American, and Latino community leaders, as well as law enforcement to reduce tension in the communities, stop violence and the destruction of property, and restore peace to the city streets.

In the year following the riots, CRS prioritized conflict prevention and resolution efforts during the trials related to the riots following the Rodney King beating. During this time, teams of bilingual mediators from around the country organized to respond to widespread trial-related racial tensions.

In the riots’ aftermath, CRS remained active in affected communities and assisted schools in developing contingency plans and conducted conflict resolution training for staff. Additionally, CRS worked with law enforcement to improve communication with African American and Korean American community leaders including developing two rumor control centers in Korean American communities. CRS also worked closely with clergy and other representatives of African American churches and members of recognized gangs to establish monitoring teams and held meetings with African American and Latino community leaders to address community tension points.

Photo Credit: Getty Images