The Hartford riots of 1970 occurred in the aftermath of racial tensions and community frustrations in the city. They were sparked by a combination of factors, including poor living conditions for Black residents, lack of job opportunities, and incidents of police brutality. On July 29, 1970, tensions boiled over, and protests erupted into six days of rioting in the city’s North End.

The disturbances were largely centered around police-community relations, with many residents expressing anger at the lack of justice and equity in Hartford. The riots caused significant damage to property, and the National Guard was eventually deployed to restore order. The events of the riots became a symbol of the broader struggles for racial justice during the Civil Rights Movement.