Harlem Race Riot of 1935

Antonio Ford

The Harlem Race Riot of 1935 was the culmination of racial tension and economic frustration that built in Harlem during the Great Depression. Although the entire nation was experiencing economic difficulties, Harlem was hit especially hard. While dealing with mounting obstacles such as inadequate health care, poor education, and mounting poverty, Blacks also had to face discrimination that made it harder for them to receive any of the limited social services that were available at the time. If there was assistance in the form of health care, food, or jobs, it was offered to the White community first. Riots in other economically distressed urban centers with significant Black populations, such as Detroit, were viewed as a warning sign that similar disruptions could occur in New York City. With Harlem being one of the worst hit communities in America during the Great Depression and with racial tensions mounting, it took only ...

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