THE SOUTHERN TIMES

Atlanta Race Riot of 1906

In 1906, several events occurred, one of which was the Atlanta Race Riot. The riot may have been the result of several probable causes. Tom Watson, a well-known politician, spread racial fears. Hoke Smith was believed to have gained votes by using racial fears in the year's gubernational campaign. Atlanta newspapers frequently printed numerous stories regarding African American violence against whites. The growth of the black population resulted in heightened competition for jobs between black and white workers, as well as distinctions between classes. Such resulted in Atlanta's leadership, which was white, to counteract with restrictions for the purpose of behavioral control for the expanding working class, which was not always successful. In addition, black men had been given voting rights and had become more engaged in politics, resulting in business establishment, social network creation, and the construction of communities. Such contributed to the building tension in relation to the race riot.

 

On Saturday afternoon on September 22, 1906, local newspaper headlines conveyed fabricated reports of black assaults. By 9 P.M., a crowd composed of over 5,000 whites and African Americans had congregated on Decatur Street in Atlanta. Particular accounts reported that thousands of whites started to roam the area of downtown, certain of which had guns. As fear insinuated, the attacks began. The riot continued for two days. Prior to the achieving of calm in the city, martial law was declared.

 

The result of the Atlanta Race Riot was significant. Many believed that the event had damaged the conception of Atlanta as a thriving "New South" city. Throughout the United States, as well as on an international scale, the riot had been covered. Certain fears on the continuation of disorder resulted in a conferring between white civic and leader and higher class blacks. This caused northern whites to believe that national intervening was not necessary for the reconciliation of the two races. The city was left as one of the most segregated and socially layered in the United States. Approximately 25 to 40 African American deaths were reported, yet the city's coroner only issued ten certificates of death for victims who were black. Two whites were thought to be killed, one of whom died as a result of a heart attack. Many more people were injured in addition to property damage. The black community experienced an economic reduction for homes and businesses. The riot was a contributor to the state's prohibition and restriction of black suffrage through 1908. Booker T. Washington's accommodation strategy was discredited for numerous black leaders, making way for more aggressive possibilities for the achievement of racial justice.

 

Similar to the Leo Frank Case, the Atlanta Race Riot resulted in a devastating setback for civil rights for discriminated races, including African Americans. Both events were negative in effect on African American political and economical progress. Also, the end result was caused by for the most part false claims, injustice, and violence.

 

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