The uprising in Hough was sparked by rumors of minor disputes between black patrons and white owners of the Seventy Niners’ Café on Hough Avenue and East 79th Street. While several differing accounts of the inciting events spread throughout Hough on the night of July 18th, the rapid escalation into violence speaks to pre-existing racial tensions in the neighborhood. Accounts centered on two purported incidents that occurred that day: the ejection of a black resident from the bar after soliciting charity, and the owner’s refusal to serve a glass of water to a black man purchasing take-out wine. Stories circulated that an owner used racial slurs during these interactions, and that disgruntled patrons who witnessed the events hung a sign outside declaring “this place will not serve colored” or “no water for n***ers.” As word of the events made its way through Hough, a crowd grew outside the bar. After rocks were thrown, the two owners confronted the crowd several times holding a rifle and pistol. Policemen were called to the scene, and the situation quickly spiraled out of control. Rocks and bricks were hurled at squad cars and storefronts as police attempted to disperse the crowd. | Date: July 25, 1966 | Source: Cleveland Memory Project, Cleveland State University Library Special CollectionsDownload Original File
Source
Cleveland Memory Project, Cleveland State University Library Special Collections
