50th Watts Rebellion Commemoration

A Catalyst for Change

In 1965, the Watts Rebellion devastated a community and awakened the nation, bringing long-standing grievances and inequalities into the spotlight. California leaders placed their hopes on an institution of higher education as a catalyst for change, and decided to build a new state college close to the communities impacted by the rebellion.

A transformation was needed. And one was delivered.

Fifty years later, CSUDH boasts over 100,000 alumni, with over 65 percent of our alumni living within 25 miles of the campus.

The university changes lives each and every day through the transformative power of education.

50th Anniversary Watts Rebellion Commemoration

CSUDH marked the 50th Anniversary of the Watts Rebellion with a year-long, interdisciplinary “conversation” among faculty, students, and the community, examining the rebellion’s legacy and impact.

The CSUDH community explored, examined, analyzed, and discussed conditions preceding the 1965 Watts Rebellion and the status of race relations, socioeconomics, education, and equality in America today.