Black History Knowledge
Black History Knowledge — July 13
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What happened on this day. These are the July 13 moments in Black history worth knowing, remembering, and passing on.
1863 — New York City Draft Riots begin
On July 13, 1863, the New York City Draft Riots began. What started as anger over Civil War draft laws quickly became an anti-Black massacre, as white mobs attacked Black New Yorkers, Black homes, Black businesses, and abolitionist spaces across the city.
1863 — Colored Orphan Asylum attacked and burned
On July 13, 1863, during the New York City Draft Riots, a white mob attacked and burned the Colored Orphan Asylum. Hundreds of Black children were forced to flee for their lives. The attack remains one of the clearest examples of how anti-Black violence in the North targeted even the most vulnerable members of the community.
2013 — George Zimmerman acquittal helps spark Black Lives Matter
On July 13, 2013, George Zimmerman was acquitted in the killing of Trayvon Martin. The verdict sparked national outrage and helped give rise to the phrase and movement Black Lives Matter, created by Black women organizers Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.
