In 1829, the city of Cincinnati was shaken by a series of violent events known as the Cincinnati Riots, a response to the increasing presence of free Black people in the city. The riots were sparked by growing racial tensions and the resentment of white residents towards the Black community, who were perceived as a threat to economic opportunities and social hierarchies. Over the course of several days, mobs targeted Black residents, their homes, businesses, and institutions, resulting in widespread destruction and fear.

The 1829 riots were part of a broader pattern of racial violence that erupted in various cities across the United States during the early 19th century. For African Americans in Cincinnati, the riots underscored the precariousness of their hard-won freedoms and the constant threat of discrimination and violence. The aftermath of the riots led to the forced expulsion of many Black people from the city, with some relocating to Canada, where they sought safety and a better life. The Cincinnati Riots stand as a painful reminder of the deep-seated racism and the struggles faced by African Americans in the pursuit of equality, a struggle that would continue for generations.