McCone Commission

McCone Commission

The McCone Commission, officially known as the California Governor's Commission on the Los Angeles Riots, was established in 1965 to investigate the Watts riots, a series of violent protests and lootings that took place in Watts, a predominantly African American neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. The commission's findings and recommendations played a significant role in shaping the US Civil Rights Movement and addressing issues of racial inequality and social injustice in the United States. The commission's work was closely tied to the efforts of prominent civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, who were advocating for an end to racial segregation and discrimination.

● Introduction to

the McCone Commission The McCone Commission was formed in response to the Watts riots, which occurred in August 1965 and resulted in the deaths of 34 people, over 1,000 injuries, and widespread property damage. The commission was established by California Governor Pat Brown and was chaired by John McCone, a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The commission's mandate was to investigate the causes of the riots and to make recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. The commission's work was informed by the research and writings of scholars such as sociologist Robert M. Fogelson and historian Robert Conot, who had studied the history of Los Angeles and the social and economic conditions that contributed to the riots.

● Background and Establishment

The McCone Commission was established in the context of a broader national conversation about civil rights and social justice. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had recently been passed, and there was a growing recognition of the need to address issues of racial inequality and discrimination in the United States. The commission's establishment was also influenced by the work of organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which were advocating for an end to racial segregation and discrimination. The commission's members included prominent figures such as Warren Christopher, who would later serve as United States Secretary of State, and Asa Call, a businessman and philanthropist who was active in Los Angeles civic affairs.

● Investigation and Findings

The McCone Commission conducted an extensive investigation into the causes of the Watts riots, gathering evidence from a wide range of sources, including eyewitnesses, police officers, and community leaders. The commission's findings identified a range of factors that contributed to the riots, including poverty, unemployment, and racial tension. The commission also found that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had played a significant role in exacerbating the situation, through its use of excessive force and its failure to respond effectively to the crisis. The commission's report cited the work of scholars such as sociologist Rodney Stark and psychologist Tom Pettigrew, who had studied the social psychology of crowd behavior and the dynamics of racial conflict.

● Role

in the US Civil Rights Movement The McCone Commission played a significant role in the US Civil Rights Movement, highlighting the need for social and economic reform and the importance of addressing issues of racial inequality and discrimination. The commission's findings and recommendations were widely publicized and helped to galvanize public opinion in support of the civil rights movement. The commission's work was also influential in shaping the development of community-based programs and social services aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty and racial inequality. The commission's report was cited by leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Stokely Carmichael, who were advocating for an end to racial segregation and discrimination and for greater investment in community development and social justice initiatives.

● Recommendations and Impact

The McCone Commission made a range of recommendations for addressing the root causes of the Watts riots and for preventing similar incidents in the future. These recommendations included the establishment of community-based programs and social services, the implementation of police reform measures, and the investment in economic development initiatives. The commission's recommendations had a significant impact on the development of social policy in California and beyond, influencing the work of organizations such as the National Urban League and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). The commission's report was also cited by scholars such as sociologist William Julius Wilson, who has written extensively on the social and economic conditions that contribute to urban poverty and racial inequality.

● Criticisms and Controversies

The McCone Commission's findings and recommendations were not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the commission had failed to adequately address the root causes of the Watts riots and that its recommendations did not go far enough in addressing issues of racial inequality and discrimination. Others criticized the commission for its failure to include more African American members and for its reliance on establishment figures such as John McCone. The commission's work was also subject to criticism from radical activists, who argued that the commission's recommendations were too moderate and did not adequately address the need for fundamental social change. Despite these criticisms, the McCone Commission's work remains an important milestone in the US Civil Rights Movement and a testament to the power of community-based activism and social reform.

● Legacy and Historical Significance

The McCone Commission's legacy can be seen in the many community-based programs and social services that were established in response to its recommendations. The commission's work also helped to galvanize public opinion in support of the civil rights movement and to highlight the need for social and economic reform. Today, the McCone Commission is remembered as an important milestone in the US Civil Rights Movement and a testament to the power of community-based activism and social reform. The commission's report has been cited by scholars such as historian Dan Carter and sociologist Aldon Morris, who have written extensively on the history of the civil rights movement and the social and economic conditions that contribute to racial inequality and discrimination. The commission's legacy continues to be felt in the work of organizations such as the NAACP and the SCLC, which remain committed to advocating for social justice and human rights in the United States. Category:US Civil Rights Movement Category:California Category:Los Angeles Category:Racial inequality Category:Social justice