On September 22, 1906, Atlanta newspapers publish four lurid but unsubstantiated stories of Black men raping white women — inflaming tensions already stoked by a governor's race built on disenfranchising Black voters.

In the evening, a mob of thousands gathers downtown, chanting "Kill the Negroes!" They beat and shoot Black residents in the streets, drag them from streetcars, and target successful Black-owned businesses, including barber and former slave Alonzo Herndon's shop. Police join the mob. The violence continues for two days.

Three militia companies raid the southside and arrest over 250 Black people at a meeting to discuss defense.

Over 1,000 homes and businesses burn. 25 to 250 Black people are killed.

The white mainstream will try to erase the event from history for 100 years.