WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) released the following statement to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Hough Riots of 1966:

“Fifty years ago, the Hough Riots ripped through our communities, destroying property and causing civil unrest. Spurred by high poverty, economic instability, and racial tension, the Hough Riots lasted six days and resulted in four deaths and several injuries.

“I strongly believe that violence is never the answer. I also believe the message the Hough Riots sent to our region, state, and nation remains true today.  We must do all we can to ensure every American has a fair shot at the American Dream.  This means passing policies that create jobs, improve public education, increase access to health care and level the playing field for everyone.

“As we commemorate this dark period, we must also look to a better, brighter Ohio.  While progress has been made, we have a long way to go. To quote President Franklin D. Roosevelt, ‘The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little.’ “

The Hough Riots occurred from July 18 - July 23, 1966. Some credit the tumultuous events as a catalyst, unifying the African-American community to elect Carl B. Stokes as mayor of Cleveland. Stokes was the first African-American mayor of a major U.S. city. To learn more, please visit: http://clevelandhistorical.org.

###