The Peekskill Riots

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Age Group:

Adults, Adults 55+
  • Registration is available for this event.
  • Registration will close on March 5, 2026 @ 3:00pm.

Program Description

Event Details

On August 27 and September 4th, 1949, violence broke out at two concerts held outside Peekskill, NY, headlined by black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson. Citizens of Peekskill, galvanized by racist and anti-Semitic sentiments and disdain for Robeson’s left-wing views and campaign for civil rights, started two riots that resulted in hundreds of injuries, made national news, and unofficially marked the beginning of the McCarthy era, which would nearly erase Robeson from the public consciousness.

This is a five part series. Episodes will be screened weekly on Thursdays beginning on February 19th.

 

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