Cincinnati Social Justice History: Key Events & Milestones
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1827
Founding of The Philanthropist - The Philanthropist, an anti-slavery newspaper, is founded in Cincinnati by James G. Birney. The newspaper becomes an important platform for promoting abolitionist ideas and raising awareness about the issue of slavery.
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1829
The Cincinnati race riots of 1829 - a series of violent confrontations and mob actions that occurred in Cincinnati, Ohio, in July and August 1829. These riots were rooted in racial tensions between white residents and African-American residents, as well as a growing fear of social and economic competition between the two groups.
Approximately 1,000 African Americans were forced to leave the town due to violent mobs. A portion of the displaced individuals migrated northward and established new homes in Canada. Following the tumultuous events of the 1829 riots, an increasing number of white residents began showing empathy and support for the rights of black individuals.
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1829
Lane Theological Seminary Debates - Students at Lane Theological Seminary engage in a series of debates on the issue of slavery, which sparks widespread discussions and activism in Cincinnati against the institution.
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1836
Formation of the Anti-Slavery Society - The Cincinnati Anti-Slavery Society is established, becoming one of the most active abolitionist groups in the country. It organizes lectures, rallies, and protests against slavery.
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1841
Lane Rebels Expelled - A group of Lane Theological Seminary students known as the "Lane Rebels" who participated in the anti-slavery debates are expelled from the school, leading to increased tensions in Cincinnati over the issue of slavery. goes here
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1850
Description goes here Fugitive Slave Act - The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is enacted, intensifying the enforcement of the return of escaped slaves. Cincinnati becomes a key location in the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.
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1853
Cincinnati Riot of 1853 - A riot erupts in Cincinnati after an African American man named James Quinn is accused of attacking a white man. The violence leads to multiple deaths and extensive property destruction.
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1870
Women's Suffrage Association - The Cincinnati Woman Suffrage Association is established, advocating for women's right to vote and gender equality. The association contributes to the broader suffrage movement in Ohio and the nation. goes here
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1884
Cincinnati Riot of 1884- Three days of rioting erupted in Cincinnati when a mob converged on jail in response to the manslaughter verdict in the murder trial of William Berner. The Ohio National Guard responded, and violence led to nearly 50 deaths and the destruction of the Hamilton County Courthouse.
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1904
Cincinnati Race Riot of 1904- A race riot breaks out in Cincinnati's West End neighborhood after an African American man named William "Buck" Hance is accused of killing a police officer. The riot results in significant property damage and numerous casualties.
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1951
Integration of Cincinnati Public Schools - Cincinnati Public Schools begins the process of desegregation by integrating African American students into previously all-white schools. This gradual process contributes to the broader civil rights movement for educational equality.
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1960's
Open Housing Movement: In the late 1960s, Cincinnati witnessed a strong Open Housing Movement that aimed to address racial segregation and discrimination in housing. Activists and community members advocated for fair housing practices, leading to the passage of the city's Open Housing Ordinance in 1968.
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1964
Civil Rights Act of 1964: The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at the federal level was a significant milestone in advancing civil rights and combating racial discrimination. The legislation helped set the stage for equal rights and opportunities in Cincinnati and throughout the United States.
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1967
Cincinnati Riots of 1967 - Riots occur in Cincinnati's Avondale and other neighborhoods following the arrest of an African American man named Peter G. Frakes. The riots last for several days and involved clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
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1968
After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., riots erupt in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood and later spread to other areas. The riots result in widespread violence, looting, and arson.
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1979
The Cincinnati Riot of 1979 was a significant event that took place in Cincinnati, Ohio. Also known as the "Cincinnati Disturbance" or the "Cincinnati Uprising," the riot occurred in response to longstanding racial tensions, economic disparities, and incidents of police brutality, particularly involving the African-American community.
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1993
Cincinnati Task Force on Police/Community Relations - In response to concerns about police misconduct and community relations, the Cincinnati Task Force on Police/Community Relations is established. The task force works to address issues of racial bias and improve trust between the police and the community.
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2001
Riots in Over-the-Rhine - Riots break out in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood following the fatal shooting of an unarmed African American teenager, Timothy Thomas on April 7th, by a white police officer. The incident sparks protests and exposes deep-seated racial tensions in the city.
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2001
Collaborative Agreement - In response to the unrest, a Collaborative Agreement is reached between the Cincinnati Police Department, community leaders, and civil rights groups. The agreement aims to address issues of police-community relations and implement reforms.
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2003
Citizens for Community Values v. Cincinnati - Cincinnati passes an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. The ordinance is challenged in court, leading to the landmark case Citizens for Community Values v. Cincinnati, which addresses LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination.
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2006
Election of Mayor Mark Mallory - Mark Mallory is elected as the first African American mayor of Cincinnati, marking a significant milestone in the city's history and a symbol of progress in racial equality.
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2015
Death of Samuel DuBose - Another incident of a fatal police shooting occurs when Samuel DuBose, an unarmed African American man, is shot and killed by a University of Cincinnati police officer during a traffic stop. The officer is eventually indicted and charged with murder.
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2019
Transgender Rights Protections - Cincinnati passes an ordinance expanding anti-discrimination protections to include gender identity and expression, furthering the city's commitment to LGBTQ+ rights.
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2020
Protests for Racial Justice - Cincinnati, like many cities across the United States, experience protests and demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Thousands of people gather to demand justice and an end to systemic racism.
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2020
Breonna Taylor Protests - In response to the killing of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, protests and demonstrations erupted in Cincinnati, demanding justice for Taylor and an end to police violence against Black/ P.O.C individuals. During this period, there were reports and allegations of police making unfair arrests and restricting the rights of protesters. Some protesters claimed that they were arrested without proper cause or due process and that their rights, such as the right to make phone calls, were violated.