1906 Atlanta Race Massacre (Riot)
Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre, also known as the Atlanta Race Riot, involved a range of people and groups. The main participants were white mobs composed of working-class and lower-middle-class white supremacists, along with some police officers and city officials. They targeted and attacked African Americans living in the city.
The event was sparked by unsubstantiated rumors of black men assaulting white women, which incited racial tensions. The white mobs began assaulting African Americans on the streets, destroying their businesses, and even lynching individuals. African American residents fought back to defend themselves and their community.
The event mainly took place in the African American neighborhoods of Atlanta, notably in the downtown area and along Auburn Avenue, known as "Sweet Auburn."
The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre occurred in Atlanta, which is located in the northern region of Georgia.
The event took place on September 22-24, 1906.
This event is significant in Georgia's history as it exemplifies the deep-seated racism and violence prevalent in the state at that time. It highlights the systemic oppression faced by African Americans and the persistence of racial tensions in the South. The massacre also led to the exodus of many African American residents from Atlanta, further exacerbating racial segregation in the city. Additionally, it served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement in Georgia and the broader United States, as it brought attention to the need for racial equality and justice.