Racial tensions have persisted in the United States since it's inception and while various strides have been made for more inclusion racially charged riots have taken place throughout history.

In the 1967, as part of the larger 'Long hot Summer of 1967', major riots began occurred in cities throughout the country.

However, Newark, New Jersey and Detroit, Michigan saw some of the worst riots in the nation's history.

Both these cities were known to have a majority African-American population but civil control, including the politicians and the local law enforcement was comprised of White males.

Institutional racism was common which limited the access to good housing, jobs and education for African-Americans. This was forcing them into a cycle of poverty from which they could not escape.

In Newark, the riots started when an African-American was beaten up by the police. In Detroit, it started when the police raided an unlicensed bar.

Historian point out that both these riots erupted due to shrinking local economy in both cities and poverty in the black community which gave rise to disenfranchisement among the youth.

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3 years ago