Philadelphia race riot facts for kids

The Philadelphia Race Riots of 1964 were a series of events that happened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were some of the first major race-related disturbances during the Civil Rights Era in the United States. This time period was when many people worked to end unfair treatment and segregation based on race.

What Caused the Riots?

The events began on August 28, 1964. A disagreement happened between an African-American woman and a police officer. This happened when the woman's car broke down in a busy part of the city.

How Did Rumors Spread?

After the initial conflict, rumors started to spread very quickly. People heard that the police had supposedly hurt a pregnant Black woman. These rumors made many people angry and upset.

Where Did the Riots Happen?

The disturbances mostly took place in North Philadelphia. This area saw the most activity and damage during the events.

What Were the Effects?

Even though no one died during the riots, many people were affected.

• Over 300 people were injured.
• About 25 stores were badly damaged or destroyed.
• Many people were taken into custody by the police.

These events showed the strong feelings and tensions that existed in the city during the Civil Rights Era.