1919 Norfolk race riot facts for kids
| Part of Red Summer | |
July US News coverage of the July 12, 1919, race riots in Norfolk
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| Date | July 21, 1919 |
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| Location | Norfolk, Virginia, United States |
| Deaths | 2 |
| Non-fatal injuries | Dozens wounded |
The Norfolk race riot of 1919 happened on July 21, 1919, in Norfolk, Virginia. It was a difficult event where a celebration for African-American soldiers returning from World War I was attacked. Two people died, and six were shot. City leaders had to ask for help from the Marines and Navy to bring peace back to the city.
Why the Riot Happened: Looking Back at 1919
World War I officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. Before this, the fighting had stopped with an agreement called the Armistice on November 11, 1918. The United States joined the war later than other countries.
During the war, the U.S. military kept its soldiers in separate groups based on race. There were all-black units and all-white units. Even with this separation, many African Americans chose to join the military and fight for the Allied side. By the end of the war, over 350,000 African Americans had served. They risked their lives fighting in Europe.
Just before the Norfolk riot, there was similar trouble in nearby Washington, D.C.. This event, known as the Washington Race Riot, caused many deaths and injuries. It made tensions even higher across the country.
What Happened During the Riot
In July 1919, people in Norfolk, Virginia, planned a week-long party. This celebration was to welcome home black soldiers who had fought in World War I. During the celebration, a fight reportedly started among some African Americans at the event.
White police officers then tried to make arrests. This action quickly led to a larger riot that spread into the black neighborhoods of the city. The city leaders became worried. They called in more police and asked the Navy for help. The naval base sent 100 sailors and 18 Marines, who were armed, to try and stop the fighting.
The clashes between white and black groups that day resulted in two deaths. Several people were also hurt. Two police officers, C.H. Sheldon and B.C. Vick, were shot in the foot and leg.
After the Riot: The Red Summer of 1919
The events in Norfolk were part of a larger period of unrest in the United States. This time is now known as the American Red Summer of 1919. During this summer, attacks on black communities and unfair treatment by white groups happened in more than 36 cities and counties.
In most cases, white mobs attacked African American neighborhoods. However, in some cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., black community groups fought back against these attacks. Many people died in rural areas, especially during events like the Elaine race riot in Arkansas. There, an estimated 100 to 240 black people and 5 white people were killed.
Other major events of the Red Summer included the Chicago race riot and the Washington D.C. Race Riot. These riots caused 38 and 39 deaths, respectively. Both events also led to many more injuries and a lot of property damage, costing millions of dollars.
