What happened here was not a riot.
It was resistance.
A stand against injustice.
It reshaped this city
And helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement.
For decades, much of what happened here was pushed into the shadows.
Nearly 80 years later, we are bringing it into the light.
In February 1946,
Columbia faced a reckoning.
Coming Soon: A place to explore the events of The Columbia Riot of 1946.
Why CPJI is Telling This Story
The events of 1946 changed Columbia and helped shape the fight for civil rights in this country, yet much of what happened here has remained out of view for generations.
At Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative, our work is rooted in truth-telling, remembrance, and the belief that communities grow stronger when they face their past with honesty. By sharing this history, we seek to honor those who endured injustice, recognize the courage shown in the face of it, and help create a more just and connected future.