The Anti-Racist Community Network (ARCN) presents:

The Peekskill Riots Episode 3:

"Up on the Hillside, Down in the Hollow" -

The Riot of August 27th, 1949

Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 4-6pm PT, 7-9pm ET

A free movie screening with the filmmaker

On August 27th, 1949, a Paul Robeson concert was violently attacked outside Peekskill, NY. A racist and anti-Semitic mob--harboring disdain towards Robeson, his fight for Civil Rights, and his loyal followers and fans--organized a protest parade to stop the concert from taking place. What transpired was a horrific riot in which innocent men, women, and children were attacked. Rocks, bottles, and other projectiles were thrown, while cars were turned over with passengers inside. All of this occurred under the wicked light of a burning cross, and what was supposed to be a small concert, became one of the most horrific displays of racism and anti-Semitism outside of the Deep South.

Screening of the film will be followed by Q&A with the filmmaker, Jon Scott Bennett.

Click going or RSVP to receive a reminder email with the zoom info. If you missed earlier episodes, you can see them here, and then visit the ARCN (see below) and watch our Videorecording of the event archived for members of the ARCN. Our video includes Jon's informative Q&A.

Meet our presenter:

Documentarian Jon Scott Bennett has gained recognition for his coverage of the Peekskill riots of 1949 and his previous films covering under-discussed history including The Pound Ridge Massacre and The Leatherman. Bennett bridges the gap between in-person and online audiences to share the important stories hidden in our backyard.



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About the Anti-Racist Community Network (ARCN)

We are building a pathway to the emerging anti-racist, multiracial society…

The ARCN is a multiracial, anti-racist online community working to achieve racial justice and end white supremacy through activism and organizing. Our members want to be actively networking against racism and white supremacy. Through education and activism, we are working together for real and lasting societal change.

The Anti-Racist Community Network is owned and operated by the Center for the Study of White American Culture, Inc. Founded in 1995, we are known in anti-racist circles. Our operating philosophy for ARCN is to create a big tent. If you are comfortable working under our explicit expectation that you support racial justice and building anti-racist multiracial community, then you are welcome and we invite you to come.

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