80th Anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots
Zoot Suits
A fashion style in the 30’s-40’s worn by young Mexican Americans & Filipino Americans in Los Angeles. It was a style that was also popular in Harlem, NY music scene.
Ernie Pachucoglez 2023. ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Los Angeles had a large population of Mexican Americans, and racial tensions between them and the white community, particularly servicemen, were high. These tensions were exacerbated by the pressures of World War II. Zoot suits were seen by many as unpatriotic because they used a lot of fabric during a time of rationing, and the wearers were viewed with suspicion by the broader society.
June 3, 1943: The violence began when a group of U.S. sailors claimed they were attacked by a gang of Mexican American youths wearing zoot suits. In retaliation, the next day, a group of sailors went into East Los Angeles, a predominantly Mexican American neighborhood, seeking revenge. They attacked anyone wearing a zoot suit, stripping them of their clothes, and beating them. The Los Angeles Police Department often stood by or arrested the victims rather than the perpetrators. The riots continued against Zoot Suitors over several days.
June 2023
The City of Los Angeles offered a formal apology due to the racism that was provoked against Mexican Americans during the riots. Every year there is a Zoot Suit Cruise with lowriders to celebrate Chicano culture. The 80th Zoot Suit Riots Anniversary took place in Little Tokyo.
