On this day in 1943, during WWII, fights break out between white and black youths on Belle Isle, a public park in the “Arsenal of Democracy,” Detroit.

A rumor spreads that white folks threw a black woman and her baby over the bridge. In the city, black residents head to the streets, breaking windows, looting white businesses, and attacking white people.

Another rumor spreads that black men raped a white woman near the same bridge. White residents assemble and riot up Woodward Ave, overturning cars, setting fires, and beating up black people while policemen look on.

Rioting continues for three days. President Roosevelt invokes the Insurrection Act and 6,000 troops enter the city to restore peace. 34 people have been killed — 25 of whom are black — of whom 17 have been killed by police.