The civil rights era marked a historic period of turmoil and economic, social and political change across the United States. As many remained oppressed, some communities resorted to rioting, stowing away the nonviolent practices of Martin Luther King Jr. A total of 124 riots took place across the country. One of them was nestled in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
When thinking of Pittsburgh, one may think of the steel, its sports teams, or its renaissance of deindustrialization to healthcare, technology, and education. What is rarely discussed is the city’s role in the civil rights movement that changed the social climate around women and African Americans. In particular, Pittsburgh was one of the last cities to riot; the city lighting up after MLK was killed on April 4th, 1968.
Unsung Civil Rights Figures is a web-based resource dedicated to the investigation into the heroes of the civil rights movement that rarely receive coverage and the historical events that each figure actively engaged in. Each section is highlighted above in order from the April riots to Nate Smith, the NAACP’s Alma Speed Fox and Byrd Brown, and Jimmy Joe Robinson. As an added, and much needed, informative section, Pittsburgh’s famous photographer, Charles “Teenie” Harris, is also covered as the site utilizes his photographs. Additionally, a final section highlights some current, or 21st century, civil rights issues that have taken place.
Unsung Civil Rights Figures 