The Harlem Riot of 1964, also known as the Harlem Race Riot, was a major race-related disturbance that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in July 1964. The riot was sparked by the fatal shooting of an unarmed African American teenager, James Powell, by a white off-duty police officer, Lieutenant Thomas Gilligan.

The shooting occurred after Powell was confronted by Gilligan and other officers for allegedly harassing a liquor store owner. The exact circumstances of the shooting remain disputed, with witnesses giving conflicting accounts of what happened. Powell's death, however, ignited long-simmering tensions between the African American community and the NYPD, as well as broader issues of police brutality and systemic racism.

In the days following Powell's death, Harlem erupted in protests, demonstrations, and violent clashes between residents and law enforcement. The riot lasted for several days, resulting in widespread property damage, injuries, and arrests. The unrest spread to other neighborhoods in New York City, including Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn.

The Harlem Riot of 1964 brought national attention to issues of racial inequality, police brutality, and economic disparities facing African Americans in urban centers. It also highlighted the frustrations and anger bubbling beneath the surface of the Civil Rights Movement, particularly among communities experiencing ongoing injustices and discrimination.

The legacy of the Harlem Riot of 1964 continues to resonate today, serving as a reminder of the deep-rooted issues of racial injustice that have plagued American society and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice.