Category: Events

African American History, Events

Revisit: MIAMI (LIBERTY CITY) RIOT, 1980

The Miami Riot of 1980 was the first major race riot since the late 1960s. In December 1979, a number of white Miami-Dade (Florida) police officers were involved in a high-speed chase involving black motorist Arthur McDuffie. Police reports said that the chase ended when McDuffie crashed his motorcycle, ultimately leading to his death. However, coroner reports suggested that the cause of death was not consistent with a motorcycle crash. Continue reading Revisit: MIAMI (LIBERTY CITY) RIOT, 1980

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African American History, Events

Revisit: WATTS SUMMER FESTIVAL (1966- )

A coalition of antipoverty organizations and black nationalist groups initiated the Watts Summer Festival in 1966 as a way to focus the Watts community on celebrating black heritage and culture annually on the anniversary of the Watts riots.  Although the groups involved in establishing and organizing the festival had differing styles and philosophies – some were cultural nationalists, some emphasized economic nationalism and others focused on political power – they all supported the ideals of community empowerment and self-definition.  Continue reading Revisit: WATTS SUMMER FESTIVAL (1966- )

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African American History, Events

Revisit: NEWARK RIOT (1967)

The Newark Riot of 1967 which took place in Newark, New Jersey from July 12 through July 17, 1967, was sparked by a display of police brutality. John Smith, an African American cab driver for the Safety Cab Company, was arrested on Wednesday July 12 when he drove his taxi around a police car and double-parked on 15th Avenue.  According to a police report later released to the press, the police claimed that Smith was charged with “tailgating” and driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street.  Smith was also charged with using offensive language and physical assault. Continue reading Revisit: NEWARK RIOT (1967)

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