Macon, Mississippi, race riot facts for kids
| Part of Red Summer | |
Topographical and political map of the state of Mississippi around Macon, 1921
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| Date | June 7, 1919 |
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| Location | Macon, Mississippi, United States |
The Macon, Mississippi, race riot happened on June 7, 1919, in Macon, Mississippi. During this event, some white community members became angry. They were upset that Black people were trying to organize for better work conditions. Because of this, they attacked and forced these individuals to leave town.
What Happened in Macon?
Macon, Mississippi, had a history of unfair treatment towards its Black community. There were past incidents where Black people faced violence and injustice. This history set the stage for the events of June 1919.
The Attack on Workers
Reports spread that Black workers wanted better pay and working conditions. This news angered some white residents. A group including a city marshal, a deputy sheriff, and a banker, along with a white crowd, then acted.
They attacked and beat several important Black community members. One of these was a school principal. Their only "crime" was rumors that they were trying to help Black people organize.
Forced to Leave
After the attacks, the angry crowd also took items from stores. They then ordered the victims to leave Macon. They were told never to come back.
Newspapers reported on these events. The News Scimitar said the Black people were "taken across the river." The Columbus Dispatch mentioned that some of those forced to leave were also beaten harshly by the white crowds.
Part of the Red Summer
The events in Macon were part of a larger period known as the Red Summer of 1919. This was a time when many similar violent events happened across the United States. These events often involved racial tensions and attacks on Black communities.
The Macon incident is mentioned in an important report. This report was written by Charles E. Haynes for the U.S. Congress. It helped to document the widespread violence of the Red Summer.
