The Harlem Riot of 1964, also known as the Harlem Rebellion, was a period of civil unrest that took place in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City in July 1964. The riot was sparked by the fatal shooting of 15-year-old African American James Powell by white off-duty police lieutenant Thomas Gilligan. The shooting occurred after a confrontation between Powell and Gilligan, who was attempting to arrest Powell for allegedly stealing from a local store.

The killing of Powell, who was unarmed, served as a catalyst for longstanding tension and grievances within the Black community in Harlem. Residents were already frustrated with issues such as police brutality, unemployment, and lack of access to quality housing and education.

Following Powell's death, protests and demonstrations quickly escalated into violent clashes between Black residents and law enforcement. The rioting continued for several days, resulting in widespread property damage, injuries, and arrests.

The Harlem Riot of 1964 highlighted the deep-seated racial and social inequalities that existed in American society at the time, and it underscored the need for systemic change and reform to address the root causes of unrest in Black communities. The event also sparked conversations and activism around police brutality, urban poverty, and racial discrimination, setting the stage for the civil rights movement and advocacy for Black liberation and equality.