The events during the summer of 1919, referred to as “Red Summer,” consisted of over 25 “anti-black riots” across the U.S. In segregated Longview, Texas, African Americans formed their own institutions which included a chapter of the Booker T. Washington Black Businessmen League. Two of the leaders were Samuel L. Jones, a teacher and agent for black newspapers, and Dr. Calvin P. Davis, a physician. Violence in Longview began after the lynching of Lemuel Walters who was arrested after accused of making “indecent” advances toward a white woman. Walters was pulled from jail by an angry mob and killed on June 17, 1919. On July 5, an anonymous article in The Chicago Defender quoted the woman as saying she would have married Walters. The article also accused Sheriff D.S. Meredith of allowing the mob to take and kill Walters. Five days later, the woman’s brothers found Jones and beat him, thinking he was behind the article. Jones and Davis were advised to leave town, but 25 men from the league offered to defend them. On July 11, 1919, at 1 a.m., a white mob formed and went to Jones’ house. When the mob tried to enter the house, the defenders opened fire. None of the African Americans were wounded but several in the mob were. Angered that they were fired upon, the mob rallied more men and marched towards Jones’ house again. Finding it empty, they burned down nearby black-owned businesses and homes. Gov. William P. Hobby declared martial law on July 13 and sent National Guard troops to diffuse the situation. Both Davis and Jones managed to escape. The events in Longview highlight African American resistance and organization to defend themselves against racism. Geographical segregation and systemic issues that led to the 1919 riots continue to be part of its legacy. (2021)