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African Americans and whites leaving the beach as trouble begins, Chicago, Illinois, USA, c1919
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African Americans and whites leaving the beach as trouble begins, Chicago, Illinois, USA, c1919
African Americans and whites leaving the beach as trouble begins, Chicago, Illinois, USA, c1919. Racial tensions increased in Chicago after the end of the First World War as African Americans from the South moved in increasing numbers into the South Side of the city. On 27 July 1919 a major race riot broke out in the city, after a young African American was killed by a rock thrown at him by a white man on an informally segregated beach on the shore of Lake Michigan. The violence raged for days and 38 people were killed (23 African American and 15 white) and 537 injured. 6000 National Guard troops were deployed onto the streets by the government to restore order. Many African American families fled the city, returning to the South
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Media ID 15139722
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
Chicago Fear Fleeing Illinois Leaving Race Riot Riot Rioting Tension Trouble Unrest Violence Violent Historica Graphica Collection Race Relations Racial Conflict
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This powerful print captures a pivotal moment in American history, depicting African Americans and whites leaving the beach as trouble begins in Chicago, Illinois, USA, around 1919. The racial tensions that had been simmering in the city escalated after World War I when a significant number of African Americans migrated from the South to settle on the South Side of Chicago. On July 27th, 1919, this tension erupted into a major race riot following the tragic death of a young African American man who was struck by a rock thrown by a white individual on an informally segregated beach along Lake Michigan. The ensuing violence engulfed the city for several days, resulting in the loss of 38 lives (23 African Americans and 15 whites) and leaving over 500 injured. To restore order, approximately 6,000 National Guard troops were deployed onto the streets. The impact of this race riot was profound as many African American families felt compelled to flee Chicago and return to their Southern roots. This event serves as a stark reminder of America's troubled past with racial conflict and highlights how deeply ingrained racism was during this time period. Through this poignant image captured by an unknown photographer from Heritage Images' historical graphica collection, we are confronted with both fear and resilience. It stands as a testament to our collective responsibility to confront our nation's history honestly while striving towards equality and justice for all.
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