Rodney King, the Los Angeles motorist whose brutal beating by local police led to the city’s 1992 riots, has died at the age of 47. King became a symbol of police brutality against people of color, particularly African Americans, when a witness videotaped four police officers beating and tasering him as he lay helpless on the ground. The officers’ subsequent acquittal by an all-white jury sparked the L.A. riots 20 years ago. As the unrest raged in the streets, King issued a famous appeal for calm.

Rodney King: “People, I just want to say, you know, can we all get along? Can we get along?”

The L.A. riots’ 20th anniversary was observed in April. At a recent event, Rodney King discussed how he hoped to be remembered.

Rodney King: “Can’t we all get along? Simple. And why can’t we all get along? Can I try and do it like Rodney? Can I find me some piece of mind by being humble? I know I’m in a bad situation, but let me think this out, you know what I mean? Let me give you some time, and let me think about how I’m going to go about doing this. Can’t we all just get along? And that’s how I would like to be remembered after I’m dead and gone.”