A year ago, the Montgomery Riverfront Brawl images shocked the nation.
A group of white boaters appearing to beat a Black riverboat co-captain on the Montgomery riverfront. The scene was captured by dozens of phones held by the passengers aboard the riverboat, and the images quickly went viral on social media.
The Aug. 5, 2023, melee became a global cultural flashpoint over the next few weeks, discussed and dissected over.
In the immediate days following the fight, hashtags such as #FadeInTheWater and #FoldingChair trended for days. Training videos were created on TikTok showing how to use a folding chair as a weapon.
The event sparked discussions on social media, where users praised those who intervened and dubbed it an “ancestral beatdown.” Residents across the South, including community organizer Imani Scott-Blackwell from Athens, Georgia, believe the fight has set a precedent for how Black Americans should respond to those in distress.
“It was a cultural revolution of sorts,” she told The Washington Post. “People are kind of reframing their relationship with ‘what is my role when I see something happening that is wrong?’ And this moment to me really symbolized that shift of, ‘we’re not just witnessing anymore.’”
“Happy Montgomery Brawl Day,”
The brawl inspired paintings, clothing merch, jewelry and other items to commemorate that day. Even celebrities talked about it, like Whoopi Goldberg in an episode of The View, supporting the groups of Black residents who came together in solidarity to help another man in need. This cultural event has prompted many nationwide to hold special occasions like cookouts, parties, gatherings and other activities.
Some on social media are commemorating the one year anniversary of the brawl on Monday.
“Happy Montgomery Brawl Day,” one user posted, along with pictures and a video capturing the chaotic scene.
“One year ago today, the infamous Montgomery Riverfront brawl happened,” another user wrote.
Another user posted an artistic rendering of the brawl beneath a banner that reads “The Alabama Sweet Tea Party”.