Benton Harbor riots

The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S., has had two major riots, both occasioned by issues arising between police and black residents of the city.

1966

On August 30, 1966, a riot began after a meeting discussing recreational facilities and police relations with respect to black residents.[1] During the riot, a black 18-year-old named Cecil Hunt was killed in a drive-by shooting; suspects were arrested but the assault charge was later dismissed.[1][2] Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard, who stood down on September 5 when the riot dissipated.[3]

2003

In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor demonstrated for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by a police officer, crashed into a building and died. As many as 300 state troopers and law enforcement personnel from neighboring communities were called to Benton Harbor.[4][5][6][7][8]

Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project's 2005 activities being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit.[9]

Other years

Benton Harbor also experienced rioting in 1960, 1967, and 1990.[4]

See also

References
  1. "Negro Crowd Stones Cars in Michigan". Chicago Tribune. September 1, 1966. p. 6. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  2. "Charge Dismissed in B.H. Racial Shooting". The News-Palladium. November 4, 1966. p. 1,12. Retrieved August 16, 2022. Article continued
  3. "History of the Michigan National Guard: The Tumultuous 1960s: Benton Harbor, 1966". Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
  4. Ast, William F. III (June 19, 2003). "Violence brings back bad memories for some". The Herald-Palladium. p. 4. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  5. "Rain, curfew help bring quiet night to Benton Harbor". CNN. June 19, 2003. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  6. Hartzell, Ted (June 17, 2003). "House burned, police vehicles vandalized during Benton Harbor riot". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  7. Ast, William F. III; Michael Eliasohn (June 18, 2003). "Second night of violence leaves at least 15 injured in Benton Harbor". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  8. Aiken, Scott (June 19, 2003). "Huge police presence, rain keep rioters off the streets". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
  9. Strode, Kim (October 23, 2003). "Carter's Goal: Up to 35 Homes". The Herald-Palladium. p. 1. Retrieved August 15, 2022.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.