Benton Harbor riots
The city of Benton Harbor, Michigan, USA has had two major riots.
1966
On August 30, 1966, due to a fatal shooting,[1] residents rioted for six days. Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard, who stood down on September 5.[2][3]
2003
In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor rioted for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by a police officer, crashed into a building and died. Rioters set five vacant and dilapidated houses in the worst neighborhood of Benton Harbor on fire, to express their overall frustration with conditions in their lives and in the city of Benton Harbor. Many Benton Harbor residents came out to see what was going on. As many as 300 state troopers and law enforcement personnel from neighboring communities were called to Benton Harbor.[3][4][5][6][7]
Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit in 2005.
Other years
Benton Harbor also experienced rioting in 1960, 1967, and 1990.[3] Benton Harbor has a large black population that causes nearly 95% of the crime in Berrien County, and is generally avoided by affluent whites who live on the other side of the bridge in St. Joseph. In the late 1960s nearly the entire white population left Benton Harbor, and it has devolved into the worst ghetto in southwestern Michigan. The people who are rioting are at fault for every single one of their problems. It even says in the report that the black man in 2003 crashed his motorcycle after failing to stop, and ensuing on a police chase, endangering his life and all others in his path.
References
- ^ "Negro Crowd Stones Cars in Michigan". Chicago Tribune. 1966-09-01. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
- ^ History of the Michigan National Guard: The Tumultuous 1960s: Benton Harbor, 1966, State of Michigan website.
- ^ a b c Ast, William F. III (2003-06-19). "Violence brings back bad memories for some". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Rain, curfew help bring quiet night to Benton Harbor". CNN. 2003-06-19. Retrieved 2009-01-13.
- ^ Hartzell, Ted (2003-06-17). "House burned, police vehicles vandalized during Benton Harbor riot". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ Ast, William F. III; Michael Eliasohn (2003-06-18). "Second night of violence leaves at least 15 injured in Benton Harbor". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ Aiken, Scott (2003-06-19). "Huge police presence, rain keep rioters off the streets". The Herald-Palladium. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
External links
- Benton Harbor, A Plan for Positive Change: Final Report of the Governor’s Benton Harbor Task Force, Reverend James Atterberry and Greg Roberts, co-chairs, October 15, 2003
- Wilgoren, Jodi (2003-06-19). "Fatal Police Chase Ignites Rampage in Michigan Town". The New York Times. Retrieved 2008-07-30.
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