Riots, 1923-1977
Scope and Contents
Riot files mostly contain reporting and documentation on riots related to race in the United States between the 1930’s-1970’s. Reporting is on specific events like the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination, as well as general incidents that are state and city specific. Files mainly contain reporting in the form of clippings,writings and photographs depicting the aftermath of riots. Some reporting on incidents like prison and military base riots contains documentation in the form of legal documents, and correspondence between NAACP and the AFRO.
Extent
51 folders
10 oversize and legal-size folders
Dates
- Creation: 1923-1977
Legacy Description
Photographs of riots and marches following the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. Photos include street scenes, rioters, local police, and federal troops; Newspaper clippings related to riots in Maryland; Newspaper clippings, typewritten documents, publications related to riots in Michigan. (Detroit, Wayne University); Newspaper clipping related to riots in Pennsylvania; Typewritten documents, newspaper clippings, publication, related to riots in Tennessee.
May Contain Harmful Content
- Harmful Content (general) Files contain clippings and photographs with graphic images of injured people.
Arrangement
Riot files are mostly arranged by state, and in some instances followed by specific events that occurred in the state. There are files arranged by the headings MLK Assasination, or prison followed by the state the riots occurred in. Additional material documenting the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination can be found in the Martin Luther King Jr. files.
Processing Information
Riots files have been processed using detailed processing procedures, which means that all the information in the finding aid has been verified against folder content, dates and document types have been added to description for each folder, and in some cases, more granular arrangement and description has been done. Materials with content warnings have been placed in labeled envelopes within folders.
Original Location
ML0203, MAR 030; ML0404, MAR 065; ML0405, MAR 067
Repository Details
Part of the AFRO American Newspapers Archives Repository