Long, hot summer of 1967

Quick Facts: Who was Long, hot summer of 1967?

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Long, hot summer of 1967

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Widespread racial unrest across major US cities during the intense summer of 1967.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The long, hot summer of 1967 refers to an outbreak of widespread racial unrest across major American cities during the summer of 1967, where over 150 riots erupted, primarily fueled by deep-seated frustrations regarding police brutality, poverty, and racial inequality within black communities. The term emphasizes the intensity and widespread nature of the urban violence that summer. The most destructive riots of the summer took place in July, in Detroit and Newark; many contemporary newspaper headlines described them as "battles". President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Kerner Commission to investigate the causes of the riots and address underlying societal issues. The United States experienced a series of "long hot summers" of racial unrest during the mid-to-late 1960s.

Career & Major Achievements

They started with the Harlem riots in July 1964, and the Watts riots in August 1965. During the first nine months of 1967, over 150 riots erupted across American cities. The most destructive riots were in Detroit, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey. By September, 83 people were killed, thousands were injured, tens of millions of dollars' worth of property had been destroyed and entire neighborhoods had been burned. Systemic racism, police brutality, high unemployment rates, poor living conditions in urban black neighborhoods, and a sense of hopelessness contributed to the widespread unrest.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

While significant civil rights legislation had been passed, many African Americans felt that the pace of change was too slow and the progress was not reflected in their daily lives. The Newark riots were sparked by the arrest and beating of John William Smith, a black cab driver, by police officers. The unrest lasted for five days, involving widespread looting, arson, and violent confrontations with police and National Guard troops. Some 26 people were killed, more than 700 were injured, and more than 1,000 residents were arrested. $10 million (equivalent to $96.56 million in 2025) in property was damaged, and destroyed multiple plots, several of which are still covered in decay as of 2017.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1964: 1964 Milestone — They started with the Harlem riots in July 1964, and the Watts riots in August 1965.
2. 1967: 1967 Milestone — The long, hot summer of 1967 refers to an outbreak of widespread racial unrest across major American cities during the summer of 1967, where over 150 riots erupted, primarily fueled by deep-seated frustrations regarding police brutality, poverty, and racial inequality within black communities.
3. 2025: 2025 Milestone — 56 million in 2025) in property was damaged, and destroyed multiple plots, several of which are still covered in decay as of 2017.

Notable Quotes by Long, hot summer of 1967

“When the looting starts, the shooting starts”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Long, hot summer of 1967

True or False: “The primary cause of the unrest in Detroit was solely related to union disputes within the automotive industry.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While job limitations were a factor, the unrest was fueled by deep-seated issues including police brutality, systemic racism, and general racial inequality.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Abedi Pele — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Aamir Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Indian actor and filmmaker, known as "Mr. Perfectionist" in Hindi cinema.
• Aaron Kwok — Historical peer (Born in 1965) (1965): Iconic Hong Kong performer, celebrated singer, dancer, and actor.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Alfred Brendel — Historical peer (Died in 2025) (2025): Czech-born Austrian pianist, composer, and scholar renowned for Beethoven.
• Abdul Halim of Kedah — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): Sultan of Kedah and Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a pivotal Malaysian royal figure.
• Adam West — Historical peer (Died in 2017) (2017): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Long, hot summer of 1967