In 1935 New York City had its first riot in Harlem on March 19. During this time it was an unemployment crisis and police brutality which both played main factors in why the riot occurred however, it is based off a misunderstanding. Lino Rivera a 16 year old black Puerto Rican boy stole a penknife From the Kress Five and Ten Store. Rivera was stopped and captured by the store manager and his assistant. Once the police arrived the store owner chose not to press charges and wanted Rivera let go. To avoid crowds the police let Rivers out through a back entrance of the store. A woman seen the police taking Rivera away and assumed they were taking him to the basement to beat him.
Minutes later an ambulance arrived to assist the manger and his
