“C” is for Charleston Riot (1919). This was the earliest major incident in a nationwide outbreak of racial violence that became known as the “Red Summer.” In May 1919 rumors spread that a Black man had shot a White sailor in a local pool hall. White servicemen, accompanied by local Whites began attacking Black passersby. Some African Americans responded with gunfire as several Black businesses were destroyed by the rioters. Three Black Charlestonians were killed. The Charleston NAACP asked the city’s mayor for protection against future mobs, the hiring of Black policemen, and the formation of an interracial committee to prevent future riots. The mayor agreed to all the requests, except for the hiring of Black policemen. The aftermath of the Charleston Riot of 1919 gave the NAACP its first partial victory in the state.
“C” is for Charleston Riot (1919)
