Story of the Riot

"Story of the Riot" by Frank Moss is a historical account published in the early 20th century, specifically in the aftermath of race riots in New York City in 1900. The work provides a detailed investigation into the violent events that unfolded during the riots, focusing on the experiences of the African American community and the pervasive police brutality they faced during this tumultuous period. Through eyewitness accounts and affidavits, Moss paints a harrowing picture of the struggle for justice faced by the victims of these riots. The opening of "Story of the Riot" sets the stage by presenting an appeal addressed to New York's Mayor Robert A. Van Wyck, written by W. H. Brooks, which calls for an impartial investigation into the violent handling of the riots by police officers and roughs who targeted the city's Black residents. It details a specific incident involving a man named Arthur Harris, whose attempt to rescue his wife from an arrest led to a fatal encounter with an officer that sparked widespread violence against the Black community. Moss documents the subsequent mob violence and police complicity, citing numerous testimonies from victims of police brutality, demonstrating the harsh reality of racial tensions and state-sanctioned violence during this historical moment.