1906 Atlanta Race Massacre (Riot)
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What regions of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, also known as the Atlanta Race Riot, involved a clash between African American and white residents of Atlanta, Georgia. The conflict arose from allegations of assault by a black man against a white woman, leading to widespread fear and tension throughout the city.
On September 22, 1906, newspaper headlines fueled the anger and panic with sensationalized reports of the incident. These reports garnered attention and led to a mob gathering at the local police station, demanding the release of the accused black man. When their demand was not met, the mob began to attack African American residents and businesses.
The violence quickly escalated, with mobs of white residents roaming the streets, attacking African Americans, and destroying their properties. African American homes, businesses, and churches were burned down, leaving many people homeless and devastated.
The event primarily took place in Atlanta, Georgia, specifically in the downtown area. However, the effects rippled throughout the city and beyond, as the violence and tension spread to other parts of Georgia.
The Atlanta Race Massacre took place over the course of several days, starting on September 22, 1906, and continuing until September 24, 1906.
This event is important to Georgia's history because it exposed the deep-seated racial tensions and inequality that persisted in the state at the time. It highlighted the systemic racism and violence faced by African Americans, leading to changes in civil rights activism and eventually contributing to the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-20th century. The Atlanta Race Massacre serves as a reminder of the struggles and resilience of marginalized communities in Georgia and the ongoing quest for racial justice.