My name is Eric Chan and in the class "Violence in Art and Culture" we are currently reading about, and discussing, the Harlem Riot of 1935.

I believe that the Harlem Riot of 1935 occurred as a result of increased racial tensions caused by the The Great Depression as well as the ending of the Harlem Renaissance. The Harlem Renaissance produced a generation of black people that were educated, socially conscious, and outspoken.  This new generation was quick to speak out against the The Great Depression  as well as the unique problems their community suffered as a result of institutionalized racism.  This of course, was met by suspicion and hostility from the white communities as well as the authorities, leading two increased racial tension between the different groups. This tension would culminate during the Harlem Riot of 1935 when a young black Puerto Rican boy was caught committing a crime and supposedly beaten to death. Violence would ensue, as the widespread property damage occurred even after the false rumors were dispelled.