In late May 1969, members of the Black Student Union (BSU) and Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) demonstrated for several days in Seattle’s Central District. Their focus was the lack of Black representation on the board of Seattle Community College (now Seattle Central College), and they wanted one member of the five-man board to resign in favor of a Black appointee. Demonstrators, who temporarily occupied several college buildings in an effort to close the college, were met by armed police.
On May 26, the demonstrations spread more widely in the Central District, particularly along 23rd Avenue. Rocks and bullets wounded several demonstrators and police officers. This image shows armed police and tear gas at the corner of Cherry Street and 23rd Avenue. By 9:00pm that night, some 400 police officers in riot gear patrolled the area.
Caption information source: The Seattle Times: May 22, 1969, p. 5; May 26, 1969, p. 1; May 27, 1969, p. 13.
ID Number: 2000.107.153.09.01
Date: 1969
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
