Notable Black Uprisings: Watts Riots, Ferguson, Attica And More
Revolution! 10 Notable Black Uprisings
Source: Bettmann / Getty
Watts Riots
The Watts Riots remain a crucial chapter in history.
The Watts Riots of ’65 spoke to the truth loudly. Then, more recently, the Montgomery Brawl followed suit. In Montgomery, history repeated itself, not in the same circumstances but with a familiar refrain of unity. A Black riverboat co-captain faced aggression from a group of white individuals. Yet, in an inspiring display of solidarity, a diverse crowd of predominantly Black people came to his aid.1. The 1831 Southampton County Slave Rebellion Led by Nat Turner
Guided by divine purpose, Nat Turner sought to liberate his people from slavery. He used his preaching to rally support. On August 21, 1831, he and his followers initiated a revolt, starting at his master’s house and leaving at least 55 dead as they marched through Southampton County.
2. The Attica Prison Rebellion
The Attica Prison Rebellion occurred in September 1971 at New York’s Attica Correctional Facility. Inmates protested harsh conditions and mistreatment, leading to a four-day standoff. Tragically, authorities’ response resulted in deaths among inmates and staff, shedding light on prison system issues.
3. Ferguson Uprising
The Ferguson Uprising transpired in 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri, following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager, by a white police officer. The incident ignited widespread protests and civil unrest. The streets of Ferguson became a symbol of resistance as demonstrators demanded justice and an end to racial profiling.
4. The Baltimore Uprising
The 2015 Baltimore Uprising emerged in response to the death of Freddie Gray, a young Black man who died while in police custody. The city overwhelmed by protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
5. Los Angeles Riots of 1992 'Rodney King Riots'
The 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as the Rodney King riots, erupted following the acquittal of four white police officers captured on video beating Rodney King, a Black motorist. The verdict sparked widespread civil disturbances, resulting in over 50 deaths, numerous injuries, and significant property damage.
6. The 1967 Detroit Riots
The 1967 Detroit Riots, also known as the 12th Street Riot, erupted following a police raid on a “blind pig,” an after-hours bar, in the early morning hours of July 23, 1967. The violence exposed racial tensions, resulting in 43 deaths and extensive property damage.
7. Minneapolis/George Floyd Riots May 2020
The May 2020 Minneapolis/George Floyd uprisings were triggered by the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. As one of the most recent major riots, this tragic incident led to major widespread protests against police brutality all over the country.
8. Nahel Merzouk Riots
In France on 27 June 2023 riots broke out in the aftermath of a tragic incident where a 17-year-old Black delivery driver, Nahel M was fatally shot by a police officer during a routine traffic check in a Paris suburb. The devastating turn of events triggered profound outrage among residents, leading to urgent calls for justice and collective expressions of anger on the streets.
9. The 1968 Martin Luther King Assassination Riots
The 1968 Martin Luther King Assassination Riots followed the killing of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The riots, which occurred in various U.S. cities, reflected the widespread grief and anger over his death.
10. The French Riots of 2005
On October 27, 2005, the deaths of Zyed Benna and Bouna Traoré after an incident with the police triggered a series of events that led to three weeks of rioting in the suburbs of Paris. Ultimately leading to a state of emergency being declared in November of 2005.
Revolution! 10 Notable Black Uprisings was originally published on newsone.com
