CNN U.S.

By Stan Wilson, CNN

updated 1:41 AM EDT, Wed April 25, 2012
A bus winds its way through south Los Angeles during Operation Hope's economic empowerment tour.
A bus winds its way through south Los Angeles during Operation Hope's economic empowerment tour.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Many considered south Los Angeles an economic wasteland In the aftermath of 1992 riots
  • But John Hope Bryant saw an opportunity for economic empowerment
  • Bryant is the founder of Operation Hope, a financial literacy program
  • He led a convoy on a bus tour to recognize economic progress in south Los Angeles

Los Angeles (CNN) – On April 29th 1992, the intersection of Florence and Normandie avenues in south Los Angeles became a flashpoint for one of the worst riots in U.S. history.

It was the site where Reginald Denny, a white trucker, was savagely attacked by a mob following the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police officers charged in the beating of Rodney King, an African-American.

When the rioting was over, more than 3,000 structures and businesses were destroyed, leaving $1 billion in property damage and 54 people killed.

In the immediate aftermath of the riots, many considered south Los Angeles an economic wasteland. But John Hope Bryant saw an opportunity for economic empowerment.

Read the complete article at CNN here.

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