Racism Spreads North
The Red Summer
Turning Points in History, 2024
Image Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
The Red Summer of 1919 was a significant turning point for racial tension across America. Violence towards African-Americans surged as cities such as Chicago, Omaha, and Elaine erupted in chaos.
Major Race Riots and Lynchings of the Red Summer, Courtesy of The Red Summer: The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America
"Cadwell Negro Shot and Burned in Church", Courtesy of University of Georgia Libraries
"Negro Churches in Crisp Are Burned", Courtesy of University of Georgia Libraries
Chicago Race Riot
Occurring on July 27, 1919, the Chicago Race Riot was a significant event throughout the Red Summer, happening after an African-American boy, Eugene Williams was drowned. The responsible party wasn't arrested, causing mob violence between both races. Groups of White and Black citizens acquired various weapons, resulting in a huge outbreak of violence.
White Children Cheer Outside an African-American Residence They Have Set on Fire, Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
Clip of An Interview Between Museum Educator Erica Griffin and Historian Ed Ayers In PBS' "Red Chicago"
People Injured During the Red Summer, Courtesy of The Negro in Chicago
The Front Page of the Chicago Defender, Courtesy of The Nation.
Omaha Race Riot
The Omaha Race Riot also occurred during this turning point. After being accused of rape, African-American, Will Brown was forced into courthouse jail, causing lynch mobs to fire on the courthouse with looted guns. Soon, they set fire to the building and proceeded to shoot and burn Brown in view of the town.
Burning of Omaha Police Patrol Car, Courtesy of the Nebraska State Historical Society
Elaine, Arkansas Massacre
Later in 1919, the Elaine Massacre occurred in Arkansas after an African-American union meeting of sharecroppers was disrupted due to a shootout between armed guards and a group of white intruders. This led to the killing of 2 white people, causing enraged white mob violence. These mobs attacked the city of Elaine, demolishing homes and businesses, assaulting African-Americans.
"Gov. Brough and Col. Jenks Fired On At Elaine; Five More Killed", Courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Arkansas
White Posse Members Hunt for Black Men Who Had Taken Refuge in a Field, Courtesy of the Library of Arkansas
African-American Veterans
During this turning point, African-American war veterans became a huge target for violence. It was difficult for them to get jobs and become ordinary civilians without being attacked for their race.
A Group of African-American War Veterans During The Red Summer, Courtesy of National Archives
An Interview With Kevin Winn, Author of Tulsa Race Riots and the Red Summer of 1919
