The Harlem Riot of 1964, also known as the Harlem Rebellion of 1964, was a momentous event in Black history that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. The riot erupted on July 16, 1964, following the fatal shooting of a Black teenager, James Powell, by a white off-duty police officer, Lieutenant Thomas Gilligan.

The shooting of Powell sparked outrage and frustration among the Black residents of Harlem, who were already facing systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality. The incident escalated tensions that had been simmering for years due to issues such as police brutality, high unemployment rates, and poor living conditions in the predominantly Black neighborhood.

The Harlem Riot of 1964 lasted for several days, during which protesters clashed with police, looted stores, and set fires to buildings. The uprising was a response to the long-standing racial injustices and inequalities faced by Black Americans, and it brought national attention to the struggles of the Black community in Harlem and beyond.

The Harlem Riot of 1964 had a significant impact on the civil rights movement, as it highlighted the need for social and economic reforms to address racial inequality and police brutality. The uprising also served as a catalyst for larger protests and demonstrations against racial discrimination and injustice across the country.

Overall, the Harlem Riot of 1964 was a pivotal moment in Black history that underscored the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in America.