1966 Hunters Point Uprising

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1966 Hunters Point Uprising and other tales of 'San Francisco's Last
Black Neighborhood'

http://www.sfbayview.com/2009/1966-hunters-point-uprising-and-other-tales-of-san-franciscos-last-black-neighborhood/

'Bay View Hunter's Point: San Francisco's Last Black Neighborhood?':
Five fascinating videos by Dante Higgins

September 24, 2009

Andante Higgins produced this documentary, "Bay View Hunter's Point:
San Francisco's Last Black Neighborhood?" in 2004, featuring
commentary by SF Bay View publisher Willie Ratcliff and other
residents familiar to Bay View readers. Part 3 tells the story of the
1966 Hunters Point Uprising, the second major U.S. "riot" in the '60s
after Watts in Los Angeles.

Rare photos and film footage bring to life a rebellion sparked by the
police murder of 16-year-old Matthew Johnson in September 1966. The
community's mostly peaceful protest was put down by National Guard
tanks and San Francisco police sharpshooters in firing squad
formation shooting at children.

Though the rebellion was the top news story nationally when it
happened, the military-style repression so traumatized the community
that telling the story became taboo. Oldtimers remember it vividly
but hold it secretly in their hearts, and few among the generations
born since have heard much about it. Dante's skillful and sensitive
research and reporting is an important contribution to community
healing and re-empowerment.

Dante Higgins, a San Francisco native, has worked in television news
for over eight years with the last five years in network news in New
York City. Before moving into journalism, he worked in non-profits
serving "youth at risk" at the Breakthrough Foundation and at Potrero
Hill Neighborhood House. He was also appointed to the Delinquency
Prevention Commission by San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano and
served as the commission's youngest president ever.

Dante majored in television production at Clark Atlanta University.
After spending time at CNN, V-103 radio and The Weather Channel, he
returned to California to attend UC Berkeley's Graduate School of
Journalism, where he reported on an array of stories for both print
and television. He developed a passion for covering issues like
economic justice and health disparities and produced a series on
HIV/AIDS in the African-American community as well as "Bay View
Hunter's Point: San Francisco's Last Black Neighborhood?"

Dante can be reached at andantehiggins@yahoo.com. Visit his website,
www.andantehiggins.com.

Part 1

[Introductions to each part are written by Dante Higgins. - ed]
Hunters Point is named after the Hunter brothers, who arrived here in
1849 in hopes of developing the area. Watch to learn more on the
history of this area, and watch how Bay View became a Black
neighborhood. The area served America well in World War II with the
Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.

Part 2

See how urban renewal of the 1950s and '60s pushed Black residents
from the Fillmore district to Bay View. The Sanders family has lived
here for generations and come together for a birthday.

Part 3

In September of 1966 BVHP explodes with outrage over the police
shooting of young resident Matthew Johnson. The situation escalates
quickly into a full-fledged race riot lasting several days.

Part 4

Environmental hazards abound in BVHP and asthma and breast cancer
rates are high. Come along as community members tour toxic sites and
march against police brutality.

Part 5

BVHP undergoes redevelopment. Will it remain a Black neighborhood?

Dante Higgins

Young journalist in action

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