Did the cops beat Rodney King because he was black?

That was the initial allegation by the media, and the edited video clip seemed to support that allegation. However, viewing the FULL un-edited version of the video reveals quite a different picture of the incident and you are left to draw your own conclusion as to the officers motives.

All four officers involved were originally acquitted by the state court of any charges. However when federal civil rights violation charges were brought against them, two were convicted, and two were once again acquited.

Yes and no. Mr King was already not a model citizen , and did resist somewhat , and I think his being Black was only part of the cause of the over-zealous Police response.