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Local History Presentation: Peekskill Riots & Q&A with the creator - Jon Scott Bennett

Local History Presentation: Peekskill Riots & Q&A with the creator - Jon Scott Bennett In-Person

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. Who was he? What did he do? What did he stand for? These questions must be answered to understand what brought him to Peekskill.

This first episode of a 5-part docu-series will serve not only as an introduction to the story of the concerts but it will also introduce the headlining performer, Paul Robeson, the first and last casualty of The Peekskill Riots.

Check out Jon Scott Bennett's website for more showing dates! 

Date:
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Time:
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Time Zone:
Eastern Time - US & Canada (change)
Location:
Multipurpose Room
Audience:
  Adults  
Categories:
  History & Local Interest     Movies & Film  
Registration has closed.

Event Organizer

Amelia Buccarelli

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