The race riot in Jersey City, New Jersey, on August 2, 1964, was part of a wave of racial tensions and unrest that occurred across the United States during the Civil Rights Movement. While it was not as large as some other riots in cities like Harlem or Los Angeles, the Jersey City riot was a significant event in the context of the racial struggles of the time.

The riot in Jersey City began after a confrontation between African American youth and the police. Tensions had been rising due to issues like poverty, police discrimination, and the lack of opportunities for black residents in the city. The immediate spark for the riot was the arrest of a black teenager, which escalated into violence. The youth clashed with the police, and the unrest spread throughout parts of the city, with looting and vandalism occurring.

Like many other riots of this period, the Jersey City riot highlighted the broader social and economic issues affecting African American communities in urban centers. It was also a response to the frustrations of being subjected to systemic racism and inequality, which were prevalent in many parts of the country at the time.

In the aftermath, there were calls for reforms, such as better police-community relations and increased economic opportunities for African Americans. However, the events in Jersey City, like those in other cities, also pointed to the growing sense of disillusionment with the slow pace of change and the persistence of racial inequality in America.