Genesee Country Magazine
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Map of key events: 1. Disturbance begins Friday near Joseph Avenue in city's northeast. 2. Looting spreads to west side on Saturday. 3. A helicopter crash kills four near Clarissa Street on Sunday. 4. National Guard troops from Culver Street Armory finally regain control of streets Sunday night.

What caused it?

Historians point to many causes for the violence that erupted 30 years ago this July. The most significant was probably the failure of the community to adjust both infrastructure and attitudes to a sudden increase in black population after World War II. Although Rochester had long had a small black community, in the 10 years from 1954- 64 the size nearly tripled from 9,000 to 26,000 as a result of heavy migration from southern states.

The Rochester economy was not prepared to deal with the influx, particularly in employment and housing. Black unemployment soared, and the supply of public housing fell well short of demand. Both of these problems were exacerbated by racism and prejudice. In the eyes of blacks, a white community known for its smugness, failed to see the growing crisis.

At that time Rochester's major industries had no affirmative action programs and some even refused to hire blacks at all. Even well-educated African Americans could not receive positions commensurate with their training.

Efforts to build public housing in the outlying towns of Monroe County were met with fierce public resistance. African Americans remained crowded into two city neighborhoods in the city's Third and Seventh Wards.

In the northeast section, Hanover Houses, completed as a model of public housing in 1949, had slowly deteriorated into an asphalt jungle. With 392 units crowded into seven buildings on a 6-acre site, the area developed a reputation as a center for drug traffic and street crime. Predictably, the 1964 disturbance began in the shadow of those troubled towers.

Sen. Jacob Javits, on a tour of the neighborhood after the riots, labeled the Joseph Avenue area “some of the worst slums” he had ever seen. “I know of nothing in New York City that compares with the ramshackle quality and general squalor of these areas.” History shows that when a people have no jobs, no housing, and no respect, a rebellion becomes inevitable.