-
Leading Up to the Riots
The city of Newark had been afflicted with many ills before the infamous riots took place. Several high profile cases of police brutality, gentrification, political black-balling, and other factors created the perfect setting for tension to boil over. -
The Beginning
The 1967 Newark Riots began after the arrest of a cab driver, John Smith. He was quickly detained, interrogated, and transported to the 4th precinct for allegedly driving around a double parked police car. While in police custody he was beaten by his arresting officers. News of the arrest spread and soon a crowd formed outside the precinct house. -
The Beginning 2
After several civil rights leaders made demands for medical attention, the police brought John Smith through the back entrance. the crowd, unaware of what happened, started to believe Smith had been killed. This rumor was met with violence as the crowd began to throw bricks and bottles at the precinct house. Police went to confront the crowd and they dispersed, however, their ire was now focused of surrounding businesses. -
During the Riots
The riots lasted five days and nights. Four thousand seven hundred national guardsmen and police gathered to restore order. They were called by Governor Richard Hughes. They shot first and asked questions later. At the end, 26 lay dead, 1200 injured, and 15 million in property damage faced the city. -
Directly After the Riots
A total of 1500 arrests were made and 822 persons indicted (some were named for multiple cases). 426 pleaded or were found guilty. One person was indicted for murder. -
Federal Funds for Rebuilding Newark
Economic assistance was offered to those affected by the riots, not to those who participated. Those whose houses were damaged by snipers would be considered for economic relief. -
Anniverseries
This being the 49th anniversary of the riots, historians say that the same problems of that time still plague the citizens of today. Although things seem to have improved (no more political exclusion) other areas have not. Housing education, and police-community relations are still points of issue for Newark residents. The heavy tension of the 60's is not present, but the ghosts of the past still linger. Anniversaries are used to show a before and after and compel one to make better choices.