Lee Street Riot of 1942
Lee Street in Alexandria was the center of a thriving African-American community during the early 1940s, including two churches, eight eating establishments, three funeral homes, five grocery stores, eight entertainment venues, a pharmacy, a bus line, a sporting arena, an Army YMCA-USO building, and the Ritz Theater. Many African-American soldiers stationed at local military bases patronized the businesses while on leave.
A tragic incident occurred in front of the Ritz Theater on Saturday night, January 10, 1942, shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and American entry into World War II, that included unarmed African-American soldiers and the predominantly white, armed, Military Police.
The War Department's official report indicates that three African-American soldiers were critically wounded and 29 others required medical treatment as a result of the "Riot." Civilian witnesses, however, indicated that more than 20 soldiers were killed, others
wounded, and numerous civilians were killed or wounded.
Erected by City of Alexandria, Louisiana - Post Des Rapides.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is January 10, 1942.
Location. 31° 18.408′ N, 92° 26.774′ W. Marker
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana and in Acadiana Cajun Country. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alexandria Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Huie Dellmon House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rapides Parish Library (approx. Ό mile away); The Guaranty Eagles (approx. 0.3 miles away); Arna Wendell Bontemps Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); Commercial Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Post-Civil War Alexandria (approx. 0.3 miles away); Alexandria (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 29, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 2,050 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 29, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
