Thirty years ago to the day, Latasha Harlins went to the store to buy a bottle of orange juice. While inside the store, the owner *Soon Ja Du*** accused her of shoplifting. An argument ensued, and, after Harlins set the bottle down and turned to leave, Du shot her in the back of the head. A year later, the judge presiding over Du’s trial sentenced the former store owner to probation, community service and a $500 fine. Members of the black community were outraged… a feeling that would be amplified a week later, after four Los Angeles Police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King. The Black community would soon take to the streets... in what we now call the LA Riots.

Guest: 

•  Marcus Anthony Hunter, an African American Studies professor at UCLA