On May 2, 1992, the city of Los Angeles began the massive cleanup and rebuilding process following five days of unrest sparked by the acquittal of four LAPD officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King. The uprising, often mislabeled as “riots,” reflected decades of racial injustice, police brutality, and economic inequality. The unrest resulted in 58 deaths, over 2,300 injuries, 600 reported fires, and more than $1 billion in property damage. In the aftermath, community leaders, residents, and city officials mobilized to repair not only buildings, but also the social fabric of neighborhoods like South Central L.A. The event marked a national reckoning with systemic racism and would later inspire reforms and dialogue around policing and equity in America.