Kerner Report, 1968

What was the Kerner Report?

The Kerner Report was a government report outlining the reasons for the race riots that had broken out in several American cities between 1965 and 1967.

When was the Kerner Report published?

The Kerner Report was issued in February 1968.

Who ordered the Kerner Report to be published?

President Johnson ordered the Kerner Report to be written.

What were the main findings of the Kerner report?

There were 5 main findings:

• ❖ The main issue the report found was the racism was a significant long-term problem in America.
• ❖ Police brutality towards African Americans was a significant problem.
• ❖ As many as 40% of African Americans lived in poverty and this created very poor conditions in the ghettos. Poverty was caused by discrimination and segregation.
• ❖ The way the authorities responded to problems needed to change.
• ❖ The extent and level of violence during the riots had been exaggerated by the media, which had further inflamed the situation.