“DAY OF OUTRAGE” DEMONSTRATIONS [1987-88] Photo archive

[New York: Np, Dec 1987-Jan 1988]. Set of twenty-four 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white photos and twelve 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) contact sheets. Overall fine.

A substantial group of photos documenting protests related to the Howard Beach racial attack and the subsequent “Day of Outrage” demonstrations in New York City, honoring the memory of Michael Griffith. On December 20, 1986, Griffith, a 23-year-old African American man, and his two companions, Cedric Sandiford and Timothy Grimes, were attacked by a white mob in the predominantly white neighborhood of Howard Beach, Queens. Griffith was chased onto the Belt Parkway while attempting to escape and was fatally struck by a car, while Sandiford was severely beaten.

Griffith’s death sparked significant racial tensions and outrage within New York City’s African American communities. Reverend Al Sharpton (who is in two photos) and other civil rights leaders organized protests, including the “Day of Outrage” in December 1987 and January 1988, demanding justice and highlighting racial violence in the city. (Google)