Miami was not an epicenter for Civil Rights in the same way as other American cities like Louisiana, but the effects of the era were inescapable. Overtown, once named “Colored Town,” had a huge population of African American and Caribbean immigrants. The area was relatively quiet around the 50’s and 60s, but tensions rose during the 70s.
Miami became something of a hotbed for gay culture. This fueled some sexism in the area, but everything came to a head with the death of Arthur McDuffie. The story goes that McDuffie had made a lewd gesture toward some cops and sped off on a motorcycle. The cops chased him at high speeds until they report he fell off his bike and died in the accident.
A report performed by the coroner drew other conclusions, namely that McDuffie had been beaten to death. The family filed a lawsuit contending McDuffie was pulled from his bike, beaten repeatedly in the face and then left to die. After a brief deliberation, the officers were acquitted of all charges.
Upon the news, the Liberty City Riots broke out. Though the National Guard was deployed, 18 men and women died and 350 people were injured with some in critical condition. The riots brought Miami to a standstill. Sniper fire was reported at one point, with residents claiming someone was firing indiscriminately at cars and passersby.
The city rebuilt slowly on federal money after that. Miami became a disaster area, and the race riots faded into a distant memory.
About the Author: Samuel Phineas Upham is an investor at a family office/ hedgefund, where he focuses on special situation illiquid investing. Before this position, Phin Upham was working at Morgan Stanley in the Media and Telecom group. You may contact Phin on his Samuel Phineas Upham website or Facebook.