In this documentary it gives a timeline of the start of the 1992 LA Riots and the rise of music in response to the riots. The film starts with Rodney King telling his story rather than just another person speaking on his behalf. Then it further goes to explain how people within the community who are predominantly of color felt towards the verdict of the Rodney King trial. As the film goes on it shows how music was, specifically rap and hip hop were heavily influenced and dedicated to responding to the events happening within the city. Artists and activist speak on how this riot was much needed and finally brought to light all the years of oppression and systemic discrimination that people of color, especially black people have been facing from cops. As it takes you through different testimonies of how the police enacted brutal force not only to Rodney King but to many other black people within the community, you see how much frustration that has been pent up for years is shown within their stories. You see how music has become a way for their voices to be heard to the masses and as a tool to force the police and those in power to listen to the horrible conditions they have been through. This film offers an interesting and insightful outlook on the riots and how the people of the community defend their right to have a voice, as well as the upset they had with white society.
After seeing this documentary I felt chills down by back of how well it was created and the story was told. It allowed Rodney King to speak on his assault how he felt about the trial, while also letting actual people from the riots speak. There wasn't a high volume of people who weren't there or professional on this event, it was actual people who felt and experience the pain and anger that went along with this riot. I find it interesting how the interviewer asked the hard questions about the assaults that were committed, the looting, and the pain that was felt. Overall this film encompasses the dire need of the LA riots for black people in LA. The made a point of acknowledging that it didn't happen over night but rather from year and year of systematic oppression. Music was a major aspect of this riot and to show how big of an impact it had on the community was astonishing.
-Marisol Flores
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