The Cincinnati Black Riots continued for three days and nights, leaving countless shops in ruins.
Mayor Charlie Luken ordered the riot police to be deployed.
A large-scale clash occurred in the city center, resulting in 12 police officers' deaths, 31 black rioters killed, and over a thousand people injured, including several innocent civilians.
On the fourth day of the riot, under immense pressure, Cincinnati's Mayor, Charlie Luken, finally relented, suspending Stephen Ritchie and Terry Ballas.
But that was not the end.
The black community in Cincinnati was brewing larger-scale unrest.
The black residents of Cincinnati were demanding not only the suspension of Stephen Ritchie and Terry Ballas but also their imprisonment.
Inside a church in the Cincinnati black community…
"We need to show those white people our strength. We must unite, not just in Cincinnati but also in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the big cities I've already been in contact with. We must create a bigger stir to force those damn politicians to compromise."
Little Nathaniel Livingston stood at the altar of the church, passionately waving his arms as he spoke.
The crowd erupted into enthusiastic applause.
Among those clapping were influential African Americans in Cincinnati—successful businessmen, gang leaders, media professionals, and others. Each of them had their role.
"It's April now, so let's stretch the timeline. By July, nearly three months will give us enough time to contact more people…"
"Everyone here is among the best of the black community. I hope you'll reach out to your friends and family—the more people, the better…"
"In July, we will hold a massive demonstration and march that will ripple across the entire United States. We will show everyone the power of black people!"
After the speech, Little Nathaniel Livingston returned to his car and told his trusted confidant:
"These damn fools have all been moved by me. Through this incident, I think I can secure a seat on the city council instead of just being a civilian opinion leader."
Surprisingly, Nathaniel Livingston's confidant was a woman in her thirties, a white person.
She replied, "Mr. Livingston, if you want to rise to power, you better take down Charlie Luken. Our dear mayor has a big issue with you and will definitely block your path to the city council."
"I understand, I know. Just watch—once the national movement starts in July, this idiot, Charlie Luken, will be abandoned by the Democrats. That's when we strike."
"By the way, the downtown Cincinnati development project we're pushing will attract plenty of financial backers. Only I can make this happen."
…
At the city government office…
Mayor Charlie Luken, the so-called "idiot" in Livingston's words, was leisurely puffing on his cigar with disdain.
"How are things progressing?" he asked.
At his desk, a few aides sat or stood, their demeanor relaxed.
"Almost there," said a middle-aged white man with a Mediterranean hairstyle.
Another younger white aide snorted and sarcastically said, "It's laughable that Little Nathaniel thinks the downtown development plan and the nationwide black march are his ideas. He has no clue he's just our pawn."
"What about those policemen?"
Mayor Luken exhaled a puff of smoke and replied coldly, "Forget them. They're useless pawns, not worth keeping. By the way, give Amelia a private heads-up—when we make our move, she'd better get out, or I fear she'll end up as a body in the Ohio River. Nathaniel may be stupid, but his heart isn't soft!"
"I've already warned her."
"Good. Well done. Once we succeed, I won't forget your contributions."
"The Cincinnati downtown development plan? Ha! Without black support, it'd be impossible to push forward. Only Little Nathaniel could deceive those people into giving up their land!"
Martin was unaware of the power games happening in Cincinnati's upper echelons.
Two and a half months later…
On the evening of July 6th.
Martin was packing up, preparing to pick up Jessica, Doris, and Lindsay, who were still strolling around downtown.
Little did he know, in several black communities across the city, groups of black people had gathered. They were covering their faces with masks or scarves, armed with sticks, guns tucked in their waists, and some carrying homemade Molotov cocktails. They were eagerly waiting for the signal to move.
For them, the march itself wasn't important; what mattered was the opportunity to riot and loot. Shops and supermarkets were their primary targets.
"Let's go! Attack Manhattan!"
"Let's go, guys, it's time to show our strength."
"Go, go, go! Let's storm the downtown and avenge our people."
As the leaders of each community gave the command, the crowds began to move.
From the sky, one could see people pouring out of Harlem, Brooklyn, Queens, and other black neighborhoods in New York. The crowds merged into larger groups, heading westward toward Manhattan and Central Park.
"Jessica, that necklace you just tried on looks great on you. Why didn't you buy it?"
"Well, in two months, Martin will have his birthday. I'm saving up for a good gift for him."
"Wow, that's thinking ahead! Maybe I'll get him a full set of gym equipment," Doris mused.
"Lindsay, what are you getting him?"
"Me? I haven't decided yet. How about I just give myself to Martin?"
"Clever!"
"You little fox!"
Lindsay's suggestion sparked protests from Jessica and Doris.
So, Doris changed her mind, "I'll give myself to Martin too, hmm!"
Jessica proudly said, "I'm already Martin's woman."
Lindsay pouted, "Hmph, if Martin didn't say I'm too young, I'd already be his."
"Hey, hey, hey, what are you guys doing? This isn't a competition!"
As they continued teasing each other, Doris ruffled her hair and asked, "Do you think Martin likes blonde hair, brown hair, or black hair?"
…
NBC Building.
The newsroom was bustling, even though it was after hours. No one was leaving on time.
Suddenly, someone burst into the room. "Everyone, big news—there's going to be a huge march in the black communities!"
"John, is the information accurate?"
The news director rushed out of the office, asking.
"Absolutely, in fact, they've already set off."
"Damn, it's too late. I'll request helicopters immediately, and we need news vans on the ground to track the march. Christie, Paul, you're on commentary; Anna, Carter, Brick, Jimmy, you're writing quick reports; Will, Lindh, you're filming…"
The news director quickly issued commands, and the entire newsroom sprang into action.
At nearly the same time, CNN, ABC, Fox, CBS, and other major news outlets were mobilizing.
The New York Times, New York World, and other newspapers also dispatched reporters to the eastern parts of New York.