On July 23, 1968, Cleveland, Ohio, experienced significant racial unrest that came to be known as the “Hough Riots” (sometimes referred to as the “Hough Rebellion”). The riots were sparked by long-standing racial tensions, economic inequality, and police brutality within the Hough neighborhood, which had a predominantly African American population.

The unrest began after a confrontation between the police and a black man who had allegedly violated the law. The situation escalated over several days, with looting, arson, and violent clashes between African American residents and law enforcement. The Cleveland National Guard was called in to restore order. The riots were among several other similar uprisings during the 1960s, particularly in Northern cities, driven by frustrations over systemic racism, poverty, and lack of opportunity in Black communities.

While the riots resulted in significant property damage and a number of arrests, the root causes were much deeper, tied to the racial and economic disparities that plagued the city. The Hough Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement, emphasizing the urgency for social and economic reforms.