On this date in 1967, the race riot in Cairo, Illinois, was a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement. Tensions between the African American community and white residents had been escalating in Cairo for years due to systemic racism, segregation, and economic disparity. The riot began after a white police officer shot and killed an African American man, causing outrage among the black residents. The violence quickly spread, and the National Guard was mobilized to restore order.

Cairo, which was already experiencing racial tensions, became a focal point of civil rights protests. The situation worsened over time, and the National Guard’s presence aimed to prevent further violence, although the community continued to deal with the challenges of inequality and racial injustice.

This event was part of a broader wave of racial unrest in American cities during the 1960s, highlighting the struggles for civil rights and the demand for equality.