L.A. Cop Turned Author’s New Book Gives Insight into Watts Riot on 50 Year Anniversary
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 10, 2015 -- For six days in August 1995, rioting in Watts, a section of South Central Los Angeles, raged following the traffic stop of a young black man by a white highway patrolman. Widespread rioting claimed the lives of 34 people and resulted in damages totaling $40 million.
This ugly event in American history is recounted and put into perspective by author Norman E. Edelen, a former L.A. policeman who patrolled Watts after joining the force in 1959, and was one of the few black cops on the force.
In the author’s first book, "After a While You Wonder", the year is 1997 and five retired L.A. police officers reunite for lunch. They reminisce about their assignments at the 77th Street Division in Watts, bringing up the riots and the racism they faced from other officers. When this meeting takes place in 1997, just after the conviction of O.J. Simpson in the civil suit for the wrongful death of his ex-wife Nicole and Ronald Goldman, they realize that racial volatility in Los Angeles is still prevalent. One of the black cops asks, “After a while you wonder if anything will change.” Society is still asking that question 50 years later.
An interview by the Los Angeles Times’ Pat Morrison can be seen at http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-morrison-edelson-20150805-column.html#page=1
“A thought-provoking, gripping, and graphic account of service as a black police officer in Los Angeles in the late 1950s and 1960s ... There are touching moments as the main character develops relationships with people living in Watts that come to him for help and advice. You feel the slights and indignities endured by black officers who could not even use the shower in the station or ride in patrol cars with a white officer.” – R.D. Moore, author, Chopper Caper
“This terrific novel is not only a fascinating read, but it delves into an important part of America’s history. We are thrilled to announce its release,” said Robert Fletcher, CEO of Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency.
Sign up for the Goodreads Giveaway at: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/150542-after-a-while-you-wonder
Watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9ru21riQno&feature=youtu.be
About the Author: Norman E. Edelen has been writing professionally since 1966, when he wrote educational films on black history. He was a writer for “Serendipity,” a children’s Saturday morning TV series that won an Emmy award; was writer and associate producer of “Preacher Man,” a documentary nominated for an Emmy; and was co-writer-producer of the bicentennial special “The Greatest Story Never Told.” He lives in Southern California.
AFTER A WHILE YOU WONDER (ISBN: 978-1-63135-350-5) is can be ordered through the publisher’s website:
http://sbprabooks.com/normaneedelen/ or at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online book vendors.
WHOLESALERS: This book is distributed by Ingram Books and other wholesale distributors. Contact your representative with the ISBN for purchase. Wholesale purchase for retailers, universities, libraries, and other organizations is also available through the publisher; please email bookorder(at)sbpra(dot)net
About the Author: Norman E. Edelen has been writing professionally since 1966, when he wrote educational films on black history. He was a writer for “Serendipity,” a children’s Saturday morning TV series that won an Emmy award; was writer and associate producer of “Preacher Man,” a documentary nominated for an Emmy; and was co-writer-producer of the bicentennial special “The Greatest Story Never Told.” He lives in Southern California.
Ellen Green, Strategic Book Publishing & Rights Agency, http://www.sbpra.net, 703-637-7190, [email protected]
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