(Above) A policeman breaks up a fist fight between supporters and protesters of forced busing in Boston, MA, on first day of school in September 1974.

The racial barriers that divided America for so long came to an end in 1974, or so we thought again.  In 1974  Judge W. Arthur Garrity Jr. ruled that students from black communities are to be bused to various schools across the city to re-balance and desegregate Boston as an effort to enforce the Racial Imbalance Act and the Civil Rights Act.  Many opposed the enforcement and much like today, the racial divide turned to street protests and violence.  Published across many publications, these are some of what Peter had captured.

A lone student sit’s in a classroom in South Boston.  White students boycotted school.

Police protect and escort buses to schools.

A black student raises his fist in solidarity with the crowd outside.

Police arrests protester – one of many of that day.

Photos above are property of the Canadian Press.

 By: Amir Fallah – Digital Curator / Social media content manager