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	Race riots were very numerous all over the North because of the antagonism that was caused between the Negro and white workers. Many of these riots occurred because the Negro was used as a strike breaker in many of the Northern industries. The Migration of the Negro, panel 50, 1940-41. Casein tempera on hardboard 18 x 12 in. (45.7 x 30.5 cm), The Museum of Modern Art, New York; gift of Mrs. David M. Levy Artwork © Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence, courtesy of the Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Foundation
	INFO Many northern white workers feared the competition for jobs created by the migration of southern blacks. Not only did black workers compete for jobs on a day-to-day basis with white workers, but blacks were often used as strikebreakers during strikes organized by white labor unions. In some cases, blacks did not realize that they were being brought in as strikebreakers and would sometimes quit upon learning the circumstances of their work. In other cases, blacks were so desperate for work that they chose to migrate to certain cities where they knew they could be hired as strikebreakers. In 1917, when an aluminum plant in East St. Louis hired black workers during a strike, white workers rioted, terrorizing blacks on the street and setting fire to black homes. Racial antagonisms, which were at least indirect results of the labor competition caused by the Great Migration, continued to cause riots throughout the country during what was known as the "Red Summer" of 1919. In this painting, Jacob Lawrence pared down the composition and used diagonal shapes and movements to heighten the action and create a powerful visual statement. Lawrence also emphasized the gesture of the central figure by stretching his arms across the picture plane, blocking access into the scene. LOOK What do you think this conflict is about? How does Lawrence create a sense of movement in this image? As the viewer, where are you located in this scene? Describe how you experience the painting from this vantage point. What do you notice about the hands of the figures in this image? EXPLORE • What is a riot? Find out if anyone in your family has been in a riot, a demonstration, or a strike. Interview them about their memories of this experience. Even if they were not directly involved in such an incident, they will probably have memories of a famous riot or strike. After conducting your interview, share it with your classmates. Are there varying accounts of specific strikes or riots? What might account for these differences?