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Lee Brown Watts Riots Rally Poster

 Collection — Folder: 1
Identifier: URB-LBP

Scope and Contents

This poster appeared on a telephone pole during the immediate aftermath of the 1965 Watts Riots, also known as the Watts Rebellion, in August 1965. It reads "B..., B..., B...!" in red paint. Several posters bearing the same abbreviated slogan were posted around the Los Angeles South Bay region, near San Pedro and Wilmington, around the same time. A Long Beach Press-Telegram reporter removed the poster and gave it to Lee Brown, then Metro editor of the Press-Telegram. Brown had reported on the rioting about a week before. "B..., B..., B...!" refers to "Burn, Baby, Burn!", which was a rallying cry during the riots. It is attributed to a popular 1960s disc jockey, Magnificent Montague, who often recited it. There is a major vertical tear present on the left side.

Dates

  • Creation: 1965

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Full Extent

.02 Linear Feet (1 oversized folder)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This poster appeared on a telephone pole during the immediate aftermath of the 1965 Watts Riots, also known as the Watts Rebellion, in August 1965. It reads "B..., B..., B...!" in red paint. Several posters bearing the same abbreviated slogan were posted around the Los Angeles South Bay region, near San Pedro and Wilmington, around the same time. A Long Beach Press-Telegram reporter removed the poster and gave it to Lee Brown, then Metro editor of the Press-Telegram. Brown had reported on the rioting about a week before. "B..., B..., B...!" refers to "Burn, Baby, Burn!", which was a rallying cry during the riots.

Genre / Form

Title
Guide to the Lee Brown Watts Riots Rally Poster
Date
2026-10-27
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections & Archives Repository

Contact:
University Library
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA 91330-8326 USA
818-677-4594