The 1906 Atlanta Race Massacre
History & Legacy
Predicating Acts
The events leading up to the 1906 Atlanta race massacre arguably began months before the actual event. The gubernatorial race between Hoke Smith and Clark Howell was filled with rhetoric designed to stoke white fears of an empowered black populace. The fact that Howell was the editor of The Atlanta Constitution and Smith was the former publisher of The Atlanta Journal gave them each a unique platform from which to express their racist ideologies.
The stories in the largest of Atlanta’s newspapers were tame compared to the graphic accounts of other contemporary periodicals, and in the week prior to the riot featured four escalating reports of black men attacking white women. These false accounts in addition to the performance of the stage play “The Clansman” exacerbated the omnipresent racial tensions stemming from competition for political power, jobs and housing in a rapidly changing city and economy. The accusations spread quickly throughout the city with the assistance of the two major newspapers and prompted an angry mob of thousands of whites to descend on the African American neighborhoods in downtown Atlanta. The mob looted and burned homes, businesses, and churches with impunity as the police were unable to hold back the rioters.
Clark Howell
Hoke Smith
Aftermath
The Atlanta Race Riot resulted in numerous deaths on both sides of the conflict, including 25 African Americans and two whites. Many more individuals were injured during the chaos that ensued after the city’s white mobs took to the streets. Following the riot, many African American citizens were forced to flee the city for their safety.
The devastation of the Atlanta Race Riot had a lasting effect on the city’s African American population and affected race relations in Atlanta for years to come. In response to the riots, numerous organizations such as The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) were formed in order to defend the rights of African Americans. The riots also highlighted the divide between white and black citizens that still persists today. Despite the passage of time, the events of 1906 are still remembered as one of the most destructive race-based incidents in United States history.
Legacy
The legacy of the Atlanta Race Riot lives on today, both in its traumatic effects on the city’s African American population and in its reminder of the racial divides that still exist within America. The riot serves as an important lesson in examining how prejudice, hatred, and fear can lead to devastating consequences for individuals and communities alike. It is a reminder of the need to continue striving for improved race relations and understanding between all citizens of our diverse nation.
Despite the tragic events that took place in 1906, today Atlanta continues to be a leader in promoting social justice and racial equality. The city is home to numerous organizations dedicated to furthering civil rights, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Southern Center for Human Rights. These organizations are committed to protecting the rights of all citizens and promoting a more equitable society. Additionally, Atlanta is home to numerous important historical landmarks that serve as reminders of the past and inspire hope for a brighter future.
The legacy of the Atlanta Race Riot of 1906 serves as an important reminder of how far we have come in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society, but also how much work there is still to be done. We must remember the events of 1906 and strive for a better future where everyone can live in peace and harmony, free from fear or discrimination.
We all have a responsibility to ensure that our society remains committed to protecting the rights of all citizens and upholding the dignity and equality of each person. Together we can create a brighter future, one that honors the past and looks to a more inclusive society for all.
