The Harlem Riot of 1964, also known as the Harlem Race Riot of 1964, was a civil disorder that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City from July 16 to July 22, 1964. The riot was sparked by the arrest of a young Black man for robbery and his subsequent death while in police custody. The incident tapped into long-standing grievances in the Black community regarding police brutality, unemployment, poor housing conditions, and systemic racism.

The riot began as a peaceful protest but escalated into violent clashes between residents and the police. Buildings were set on fire, stores were looted, and both civilians and law enforcement officers were injured. The National Guard was eventually called in to restore order.

The Harlem Riot of 1964 highlighted the deep-rooted social and economic inequalities faced by African Americans in urban areas, and it served as a catalyst for increased activism and demands for civil rights. The unrest in Harlem was part of a larger wave of civil disturbances that swept through many cities in the United States during the 1960s, reflecting the frustrations and anger of Black communities over their marginalization and mistreatment.