In the late 1960s, the United States faced a growing crisis of violence in black urban areas. Although the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum, African Americans still had to deal with frustration, unfairness, and segregation in many aspects of life. Conditions in black urban areas made the situation explosive in cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Detroit. Such was the case also in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio. What began as a white bartender’s refusal to give a glass of water to a black man resulted in a five day riot. The National Guard was called in and the people of Hough were forced to evacuate, fearing for their lives.
Reactions from the police and the white community eventually brought a national awareness of Hough’s unacceptable plight. This awareness at both local levels and the national level initiated reforms so that the citizens of Hough and America’s other urban communities could realize the promises of the Civil Rights Movement.
Reactions from the police and the white community eventually brought a national awareness of Hough’s unacceptable plight. This awareness at both local levels and the national level initiated reforms so that the citizens of Hough and America’s other urban communities could realize the promises of the Civil Rights Movement.
"Hough
is a loaded gun, waiting for someone to pull the trigger"
Robert McGruder- Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 1, 1966
Robert McGruder- Cleveland Plain Dealer, July 1, 1966
Banner Photos from the Cleveland Public Library Photograph Collection
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