Detroit

The 1960s in America were marked by intense racial tensions, especially in urban centers like Detroit. With a significant African American population living in segregated neighborhoods, there was a palpable friction between the communities and the aggressive police force overseeing them.

On July 23, 1967, Detroit police raided an unlicensed bar celebrating the return of African American veterans from military service. This unfortunate event sparked outrage, and a mob quickly gathered, escalating the situation as they began to protest and loot local businesses.

The raid on the bar ignited the 12th Street Riot, which would become one of the most devastating riots in American history. People expressed their anger with violence and unrest, marking the start of widespread civil disorder in the city.

In response to the chaos of the riots, Michigan Governor George W. Romney mobilized the Michigan National Guard and Army paratroopers to restore order in Detroit. This decision underscores the severity of the situation and the inability of local authorities to manage the unrest.

During the second day of the riots, officer Philip Krauss shot a fleeing looter, ignoring orders to refrain from firing. This incident further inflamed tensions and raised questions about police conduct amidst the crisis that was unfolding.

Meanwhile, the renowned African American R&B group, The Dramatics, arrived in Detroit, hoping to secure a recording contract. Their excitement quickly turned to despair when police closed down the venue where they were set to perform, forcing them to leave the city.

As The Dramatics attempted to leave, their tour bus was attacked by rioters, forcing the group to splinter and seek safety. Larry Reed and Fred Temple found refuge at the Algiers Motel, a temporary safe haven during the unrest.

At the Algiers Motel, Larry and Fred met two white girls, Julie and Karen, and shared a bittersweet experience amidst the chaos. However, after a prank went awry, tensions arose, prompting the girls to decide to switch rooms, setting the stage for the ensuing tragedy.

In a misguided attempt to play a prank, Carl Cooper fired several blanks outside, inadvertently convincing police that they were under sniper fire. This dangerous miscalculation led to a catastrophic response from the police, heightening the already volatile situation.

Following the blank shots fired by Cooper, police, led by Krauss, raided the Algiers Motel. In the chaos, Krauss fatally shot Carl as he attempted to flee, disgracefully planting a knife near him to fabricate evidence and cover up the misconduct.

Following the shooting, the police rounded up the motel’s guests, threatening violence to extract confessions regarding the supposed shooter. This horrific event unfolded as the guests endured psychological torture under the guise of a 'game', leading to tragic outcomes.

In the turmoil of that night, Aubrey Pollard was killed as police brutality escalated. The ensuing chaos left the remaining guests in fear and distrust, further highlighting the systemic violence that permeated the situation.

As the riots began to subside, Melvin Dismukes was wrongfully arrested and charged with murder after Julie mistakenly identified him. This incident illustrated the tragic flaws in the justice system and the racial injustices that persisted post-riot.

In the aftermath of the investigations, multiple officers were questioned, but an all-white jury ultimately acquitted both Dismukes and Krauss, despite the evidence of misconduct. This not only highlighted systemic racism but also left Dismukes confronting the unjust outcomes of the events.

In closing, the aftermath of the riot left deep scars on all involved. Dismukes relocated to escape potential retaliation, while Krauss remained on the force, albeit never returning to active duty. Other survivors like Julie and Larry attempted to rebuild their lives, shaped forever by the horror of that night.