White Night Riots Research Paper

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The White Night Riots consisted of two riots on May 21st, 1979 following a highly controversial trial verdict in San Francisco, California. Thousands of members of the predominantly gay community flooded the streets to protest the merciful sentence received by Dan White for the murders of Harvey Milk, a gay rights activist and politician, and Mayor George Moscone. Numerous arrests were made, and there was considerable physical damage over the course of the White Night Riots.
Harvey Milk emerged as the first openly gay individual to be elected in a public office in the state of California. Upon moving to San Francisco, Milk opened his very own camera shop right in the middle of the gay community, Castro Street. Milk was inspired to run for a seat on the Board of Supervisors after viewing the tax on small businesses as unfair. “With his charisma, energy and natural political skills, Milk was soon known as the “Mayor of Castro Street” (Harvey Milk). The citizens of San …show more content…

The mass of protestors gathered back in Castro Street, still fuming and unyielding. A cluster of bitter police officers, some off-duty, decided to take matters into their own hands. The officers raided Castro Street, assaulting protestors and vandalizing small businesses. “They shouted anti-gay slurs at the victims, and eventually turned their attention to attacking anyone that happened to be out on Castro Street” (Stezano). The violence continued for hours before the police chief was made aware of the officers’ rogue raid. However, none of the officers involved were ever reprimanded for their actions.
The White Night Riots proved to be one of the most historic events in San Francisco. It was an incredible movement for the gay community to come together with the city of San Francisco to protest the inexcusable verdict in Dan White’s trial. Harvey Milk made an enormous impact on the city and marked huge stepping stones in the battle for gay

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