Introduction
After the assasination of Martin Luther King Jr, Washington D.C. collapsed in to six days of tremendous violence. Following the death of the civil rights activist, a local activist named Stokely Carmichael lead a group to force local businesses to close out of respect; the movement began peacefully and soon spiraled out of control. The violence escalated; looting began and buildings were set on fire and could not be put out because of the frenzy. Police clashed with the rioters until the city was declared safe a few days later. Eleven people were killed along with millions of dollars of damage done.
This exhibit will explore the effect the riot had on each of the four major neighborhoods. Watch the video below to see footage of the riots.