Dr. Kenneth A. Salaam (b. March 23, 1949), also known as "Freedom Smitty, " was raised in North Philadelphia and was a member of the NAACP Youth Council under the leadership of Cecil B. Moore. As a teenager, Dr. Salaam participated in the Columbia...
Mel Dorn (b. January 5, 1945) grew up on Columbia Avenue and lived in North Philadelphia during the 1964 race riots. Mr. Dorn discusses the difficult economic conditions within the community and the tensions between residents and police that helped...
A comprehensive study of the 1964 Columbia Avenue riots, including a timeline of events and analysis of the social and neighborhood conditions that contributed to the riots. Includes a foreword and afterword reflecting on the nature of race riots...
"Only empty racks remain in a cleaning establishment on the southeast corner of 18th Street and Columbia Avenue. Looters stripped the store of all garments."
"One of the few establishments reopened for business in the riot district is a supermarket at 25th Street and Ridge Avenue. Policemen stand near boarded windows."
"Patrolman Daniel Placentra stands guard at 23rd Street and Columbia Avenue this morning where an emergency curfew is in effect following weekend riots in the area. View is looking east. Most store fronts remain boarded up as only a few...
"Fred Ziedler, of the 14th district, drinks coffee as he nears the end of 12 hours of duty. He is standing in front of a state liquor store at 2124 Columbia Avenue looking east."
Augustus Baxter (b. December 25, 1928) worked as a "gang worker" in North Philadelphia counseling at-risk youth during the 1950s and 1960s. Mr. Baxter discusses living conditions in North Philadelphia before the 1964 Columbia Avenue riots and the...
"Officer Richard West points to damage of windshield due to rocks being thrown from the rooftops. Officer West was just getting back in his car to leave the scene after the first outbreak when the brick went through the window, not injuring him or...
