Parker: Looking back on Trenton in aftermath of MLK’s death
City of Trenton residents breathed sighs of relief as sporadic events of violence tethered incidents of looting several days after the assassination death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Police were optimistic despite a shoplifting event at Jack’s Tailor Shop in the 800 block of Stuyvesant Ave.; rock throwers and stick carriers attacked a cab driven by Valentino Donattell on North Clinton Ave.; looters took a double-barrel shotgun after a breakin at Berrish’s Grocery on Hanover St. and three fire bombs were tossed inside Phil’s Used Appliance Store on Allen St.
Schools remained closed for Monday and Tuesday following Dr. King’s murder. Most downtown businesses remain shuttered, including liquor stores. Service stations were restricted from selling fuel in containers. Mayor Carmen Armenti and a diverse group of clergy, community leaders and law enforcement had managed to keep the lid on violence as major U.S. cities showed death and destruction.
Trenton residents had initiated an inter-racial buddy system as black and white couples joined together with hopes of building meaningful relationships. Almost 2,500 people, including Gov. Richard Hughes and Trenton Mayor Carmen Armenti, took part in a inter-faith, inter-racial service at the city’s Civic Center.
State Assemblyman Rev. S. Howard Woodson remarked that “The real tragedy is that it took a death to bring us together. Our hearts should be heavy tonight, for that.”
Catherine Graham, Trenton NAACP head, noted that Dr. King “left us with a dream that we, the black people of this country, may take our rightful place as Americans. Graham, never one to walk gently about issues, added that “If you think ‘nigger” in your heart, you helped pull the trigger on Martin Luther King.”
For the most part, downtown Trenton regained some normalcy as Eugene Howard, president of the Heart of Trenton Businessman’s Association, praised police for restoring some order. Sears, Roebuck and Company reported brisk business ahead of Easter.
Still, on April 9, hundreds of black youth ended up downtown. Then someone threw a rock that shattered a store display window and ended all hopes for peaceful resolution.
Looters swarmed Lippman Jewelers on North Broad St. They snatched trays of diamonds, a prelude to violence and destruction never imagined for a capital city that showcased over 200 stores.
Roving bands of youth took advantage of chaos as they ransacked stores that had been part of the downtown landscape through several generations of families. Convery’s Furniture Store on North Broad St. witnessed the looting of living room sets and televisions before looters set ablaze the popular business.
Firemen successfully knocked down the fire before much damage occurred but hours later another firebombing burned the business to the ground. Firefighters were hampered by rocks and bricks being tossed by city youth. Convery’s Furniture Store damaged listed near $1.5 million.
Several hundred youth took advantage of Dr. King’s death as they looted, burned buildings, smashed windows and battled firefighters and police officers. Skirmishes lasted throughout the day although one final incident mixed fury with fire.
“We were angry, traumatized by the murder of Dr. King,” Algernon Ward explained. Ward, 14 at the time of the riots, said “Reason gets set aside when people feel extreme anger. We felt that Dr. King had attempted a peaceful approach then died so violently. People have limits. We had reached ours after King died.”
No serious injuries occurred until about 7:30 p.m. when youth broke into Charm-Aronson Inc. clothing and jewelry store at 302 East State St. within the shadow of City Hall. Patrolman Mike Castiello encountered the group as they ran from the downtown store.
Castiello testified that he attempted to fire a warning shot into the air but several people pushed him. His gun fired. A bullet struck and killed 19-year-old Harlan Joseph.
Newspapers reported that Armenti stood on the balcony of City Hall, immersed in disappointment and misery as flames and smoke enveloped downtown businesses. Armenti told The Trentonian, “I’ve never felt lonelier than that night standing on the balcony and seeing the fires, and smelling the smoke.”
Despite his remorse, Armenti still had a city to run and save. Armenti enacted a city-wide curfew from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. for all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. He arranged talks with Chief of Police Louis Neese and other city officials.
Gov. Hughes and Armenti continued discussions about law enforcement strategies which included the enlistment of state police officers while hundreds of National Guard members awaited orders at the National Guard Armory on Eggerts Crossing Rd. in Lawrence.
Tomorrow: Hope Armenti recalls April 1968.