1968

1. Introduction

  • Event Featured: The year 1968 is highlighted as pivotal in the exhibition "1968: The Year That Rocked America."

  • Focus of the Exhibit: Major events like the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy, the escalation of the Vietnam War, race riots, feminist protests, and the massacre of protesters in Mexico City.

  • Impact on Daily Life: Rising tension and turmoil were reflected in nightly news, with Western Pennsylvania experiencing similar chaos and change.

2. The Context of 1968

2.1 Significance of the Year

  • January 1 Declaration: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette projected a year filled with national challenges.

  • Major Stories: Dominated by Vietnam hostilities and local stories reflecting fears about drug culture.

2.2 Economic and Social Strain

  • Urban Crisis and Housing: Pittsburgh faced education and housing crises, city budget deficits, and an outdated public transit system.

  • Population Decline: The city’s population decreased from its 1950s peak, dropping from 12th largest in the 1950s to 51st by 2000.

2.3 Political Landscape

  • Mayor's Role: Mayor Joseph Barr’s administration marked the completion of Renaissance I but struggled against new social challenges.

  • Shift Towards Innovation: Pittsburgh began transitioning from a manufacturing base towards medical and technological advancements.

3. Notable Construction and Development

3.1 Infrastructure Improvements

  • New Stadium Construction: Groundbreaking for a new stadium took place in April 1968 with emphasis on local leadership involvement.

  • Housing Rehabilitation: The establishment of Allegheny Housing Rehabilitation Corporation aimed at renovating housing for low to moderate-income families.

4. Social Challenges and Responses

4.1 Crisis Acknowledgements

  • Social Renaissance Focus: 1968 marked a shift in the priorities for the Allegheny Conference on Community Development to tackle poverty, housing, and job shortages.

  • Community Efforts: Initiatives to create jobs and support education among the urban poor were vital amidst escalating tensions.

4.2 Riots and Civil Unrest

  • Impact of King’s Assassination: Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s death, riots erupted across the city, culminating in mayhem particularly in the Hill District.

  • Community Leadership's Role: Leaders attempted to mitigate violence through community engagement and communication efforts.

5. Educational and Labor Movements

5.1 Student Protests

  • Student Strikes: Schools faced significant protests demanding changes in curriculum and equal treatment.

  • Labor Strikes: Teachers and various labor organizations pushed for collective bargaining rights, reflecting broader discontent across industries.

5.2 Community Engagement

  • Local Activism: The rise of grassroots organizations aimed to unify black and progressive communities to demand changes amidst systemic inequalities.

6. Political Developments

6.1 Election Climate

  • Diverse Political Opinions: The 1968 electoral landscape saw Hubert Humphrey representing Democratic interests against Nixon, with segregationist Wallace gaining unexpected support.

  • Community Division: The results indicated deep divisions within the city, echoing the ongoing struggles for social justice and civil rights.

7. Conclusion

  • Reflection on 1968: The year ended with communities reflecting on their collective experiences amidst global changes, fostering potential for future unity and progress.

  • Ongoing Challenges: Many issues from 1968 persisted into later decades, particularly regarding race relations and economic inequalities, highlighting the need for continued activism and engagement.