The Peekskill Riots
This documentary series is about a riot in Peekskill during Paul Robeson concerts.
On August 27 and September 4th, 1949, violence broke out at two concerts held outside Peekskill, NY, headlined by black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson. Citizens of Peekskill, galvanized by racist and anti-Semitic sentiments and disdain for Robeson’s left-wing views and campaign for civil rights, started two riots that resulted in hundreds of injuries, made national news, and unofficially marked the beginning of the McCarthy era, which would nearly erase Robeson from the public consciousness.
This is a five part series. Episodes will be screened weekly on Thursdays beginning on February 19th.
This documentary series is about a riot in Peekskill during Paul Robeson concerts.
On August 27 and September 4th, 1949, violence broke out at two concerts held outside Peekskill, NY, headlined by black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson. Citizens of Peekskill, galvanized by racist and anti-Semitic sentiments and disdain for Robeson’s left-wing views and campaign for civil rights, started two riots that resulted in hundreds of injuries, made national news, and unofficially marked the beginning of the McCarthy era, which would nearly erase Robeson from the public consciousness.
This is a five part series. Episodes will be screened weekly on Thursdays beginning on February 19th.
Good to know
Highlights
- In person
Location
Yonkers Public Library-Grinton I. Will Public Library
1500 Central Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10710
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