"You know, before when (the police went) to work, they used to be like, 'I'm gonna kick somebody's ass today and so I hope I can catch somebody in a bad situation or breaking the law, because I'm gonna beat someone's ass in a big way, I think that attitude has changed."

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Source: Five years later, wounds from L.A. riots still sting. Interview with Anne McDermott, edition.cnn.com. April 29, 1997.

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Rodney King

Civil Rights Activist

Rodney King was a pivotal figure in the fight against police brutality, known for his role in the 1991 Los Angeles riots and his enduring message of peace and justice.

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"As far as having peace within myself, the one way I can do that is forgiving the people who have done wrong to me. It causes more stress to build up anger. Peace is more productive."

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"I realize I will always be the poster child for police brutality, but I can try to use that as a positive force for healing and restraint."

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"I had to learn to forgive. I couldn't sleep at night. I got ulcers. I had to let go, to let God deal with it. No one wants to be mad in their own house. I didn't want to be angry my whole life. It takes so much energy out of you to be mean."

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"I don't see how you can grow as a world without being able to get along with people. So many people is hating out there and it's not making a difference."

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