Silent Protest Parade in New York City Against the East St. Louis Riots, July 28, 1917

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Courtesy of Library of Congress, Underwood & Underwood, "Silent protest parade in New York [City] against the East St. Louis riots," 28 July 1917

Description

Between July 1-3, 1917, violent riots exploded in East St. Louis, Illinois, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of African-American homes and businesses and the deaths of at least 39 African Americans. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) organized a "Silent Protest Parade" for July 28 in New York City to denounce the riot and to appeal for equal rights. With approximately 10,000 silently marching, the protest became known as the first mass demonstration by African Americans. 

Source-Dependent Questions

• The 10,000 protesters who took part in this march did so silently. How might the number of participants and the manner in which the protest was conducted have helped the African-American movement for equal rights?
• Why might the African-American women marchers have worn white? What might that color have symbolized to those wearing it?

Citation Information 

Underwood & Underwood, "Silent protest parade in New York [City] against the East St. Louis riots," 28 July 1917. Courtesy of Library of Congress