Attacking the Dream: 7 major race massacres in US history
7. Detroit – 1943
During the Great Depression and the start of World War II, Detroit, Michigan, experienced growing racial tensions due to the large number of African Americans immigrating there from the South to seek a better life.
In June of 1943, the tensions hit a fever pitch due to many whites taking issue with having to work in factories alongside blacks as part of the war effort. Rumors of interracial crime spurred both communities into violence.
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“Violence was curbed by the arrival of over 3,500 troops in jeeps and armored personnel carriers, armed with automatic weapons. The streets became vacant around midnight, with most residents too terrified to leave their homes,” explained the Detroit Historical Society.
“Nine whites and 25 African Americans were killed in the riots of 1943. No white individuals were killed by police, whereas 17 African Americans died at the hands of police violence. [An estimated] 675 people were reportedly injured, with damages amounting to $2 million.”
