The Uprising
After the July 23rd police raid on the blind pig where police arrested the attendees which included 82 African Americans, a riot broke out as onlookers protested the raid by vandalizing property, looting businesses, and starting fires. The resulting protest that took place in the form of looting, vandalism, and arson was a culmination of decades of police violence, segregation, and institutional racism.
As Detroit police lost control of the situation, violence spread across the city over the next few days. Michigan state police, members of the National Guard, and US Army Troops were deployed in Detroit to help end the disturbance. This uprising is historically significant because it went on to be one of the most deadly and destructive social insurgencies in American history.
Detroit Riots Demonstration 1967
An image that depicts police sealing off both ends of a block in Detroit, with groups of Black Detroiters standing in the middle.
1967 Detroit Riots Demonstration
An image that depicts Black men who were captured by the Detroit Police peering under a garage door while awaiting their removal. The garage door is guarded by an Army trooper.
Linwood Madonna & Child
This vivid color 35mm slide taken by artist Henri Umbaji King captures a poignant moment during the events of July 1967 on Linwood Avenue, offering a glimpse into the tension and resilience of the time. In the foreground, a Black woman cradles a child, embodying the protective instincts and human vulnerability amid the chaos. Across the street, a line of eight police officers, equipped with helmets and rifles, stands as a stark reminder of the forceful response to the unrest. Behind them, the boarded-up facade of Linwood Sportland and another shuttered building echo the disruptions to community life and commerce. This image encapsulates the complexities of the 1967 Detroit riots, juxtaposing scenes of familial tenderness with the rigid posture of authority, and serves as a testament to the enduring impact of these events on Detroit’s social and urban fabric.
Eastside Line Charlevoix.
This evocative color 35mm slide taken by artist Henri Umbaji King captures a striking moment during the events of July 1967 on Charlevoix Street, blending the innocence of youth with the heavy presence of military authority. In the foreground, three African American boys pause to glance back at the camera, their expressions reflecting curiosity and unease amid the turmoil. Alongside them, soldiers from the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division stand in formation on the sidewalk, their presence underscoring the severity of the unrest. In the background, storefront signs for Marshall Hardware Company, a record store, and a party store offer glimpses of the neighborhood’s everyday life disrupted by the events. This image juxtaposes the vibrancy of local community spaces with the imposing reality of military intervention, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of the 1967 Detroit riots on the city’s people and landscape.