On this date in 1964, a race riot broke out in Harlem, New York, which later spread to the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of Brooklyn. This was a significant event during the Civil Rights Movement. The riot was sparked by growing frustration among African American residents over police brutality, economic inequality, and social injustices in Harlem. The immediate trigger was an incident where a white police officer allegedly shot an African American teenager, which led to protests that escalated into violence.

The unrest, which lasted for several days, resulted in widespread property damage and numerous arrests. It was one of several racial disturbances in the United States during the 1960s, reflecting the deep racial tensions and struggles for civil rights during that time. These events contributed to a broader conversation about race relations, police practices, and the demand for social and economic equality in America.