1919 Chicago Race Riot

The 1919 Chicago Race Riot was a violent conflict that erupted over racial tensions between Black and white residents, sparked by the death of a Black man, Eugene Williams, who drowned after being stoned by white youths at a segregated beach. Clashes quickly spread throughout the city, fueled by discriminatory housing policies, economic competition, and long-standing racial prejudices. Over several days, mobs attacked Black neighborhoods, resulting in the deaths of around 38 people and extensive property damage. The riot highlighted the severe racial divisions in Chicago and underscored the urgent need for social and racial justice reforms.