The year was 1935, and Harlem, a vibrant hub of African American culture in New York City, was at a crossroads. The aftermath of the Great Depression had left many in poverty, simmering with frustration and anger. Norma Miller, in her biography “SWINGIN’ AT THE SAVOY,” vividly captures the dichotomy of life in Harlem during that time. Despite the prevailing poverty, there was a sense of escapism in places like the Savoy Ballroom, where Miller found solace in a fantasy world of music and dance, unaware of the brewing tensions outside.
It was March 19, 1935, when a seemingly minor incident ignited a powder keg of long-standing grievances. A sixteen-year-old Puerto Rican boy named Lino Rivera was accused of shoplifting a 10-cent penknife from the Kress “Five and Ten” store in front of the Apollo Theater. The altercation with the police that followed, fueled by false rumors of the boy’s death, sparked outrage and led to a riot that tore through Harlem.
The riot was not just about one incident; it was a manifestation of deep-seated racial tensions, economic disparities, and social injustices. Harlem’s streets became battlegrounds, with protestors venting their anger at perceived injustices. By the end of the next day, the chaos had subsided, but the toll was heavy: three lives lost, 125 people arrested, and over $2 million in property damage.
In response to the unrest, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia took a novel approach to redirect the community’s energy. He organized the Harvest Moon Ball, a dance contest that brought together dancers from all five boroughs of New York City. The inclusion of dances like the waltz, fox-trot, tango, rumba, and the emerging Lindy Hop symbolized a blend of cultures and a celebration of unity through dance.
The aftermath of the 1935 Harlem Race Riots was a period of introspection and reckoning. A Multiracial Commission on Conditions in Harlem, led by African American sociologist E. Franklin Frazier, was established to investigate the root causes of the riot. Their report highlighted systemic issues such as discrimination in employment, police aggression, and racial segregation as contributing factors.
Despite the dark cloud of the riots, there were glimmers of hope and resilience. The Harvest Moon Ball, with its lively dances and diverse participants, offered a glimpse of unity amid turmoil. It became an annual event, spanning decades and leaving a lasting legacy in the history of dance and community solidarity.
The Harlem Race Riots of 1935 were a watershed moment, marking the end of an era of optimism and the beginning of a new chapter in the struggle for civil rights and equality. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of addressing social injustices to pave the way for a better future.
