... over again on base. Whatever the triggering incident, the city erupted into a racial war that night. Approximately 50 servicemen in city cabs swarmed downtown L.A. looking for zoots. Armed with belts, chains, and the endorsement of at least one commanding officer,# the sailors soon worked themselves into a mob mentality. One Petty Officer was quoted by the L.A. Herald Express, "We"re out to ... has almost been legitimized in L.A. The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee had raised the required $20,000 to fund an appeal by November of "43. Celebrities holding benefit concerts and buffets, new...

• Word Count: 4735
• Approx Pages: 19
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... struggle against injustice. In the early 1940's, young Mexican-Americans in the city of Los Angeles began dressing in their own style with wide pants, long coats and long clock chains. It was the "pachuco" era, but Los Angeles press preferred to portray these teenagers as "zoot suit gangsters" who were criminals and should be feared. The media's campaign to dirty ... a fight between kids from the 38th street and Downy neighborhoods. The next day, after the body of Jose Diaz was found, the story was on the front page of every newspaper. Twenty-four young men were arrested and charged wit...

• Word Count: 1590
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School