Peekskill riots
| Peekskill riots | |
|---|---|
| Part of Red Scare, Mass racial violence in the United States | |
| Date | August 27, 1949 |
| Location | 41°19′36″N 73°52′54″W / 41.32667°N 73.88167°W |
| Caused by | Red Scare, Racism against African Americans |
| Casualties | |
| Injuries | 140 |
| Arrested | 12 |
The Peekskill riots took place at Cortlandt Manor, New York in 1949. The catalyst for the rioting was an announced concert by black singer Paul Robeson, who was well known for his strong pro-trade union stance, civil rights activism, communist affiliations, and anti-colonialism. The concert, organized as a benefit for the Civil Rights Congress, was scheduled to take place on August 27 in Lakeland Acres, just north of Peekskill.