What was the primary purpose of the Kerner Commission established in July 1967?

The primary purpose of the Kerner Commission, officially known as the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, was to investigate the racial unrest and riots that occurred in several American cities in the summer of 1967. This commission was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in response to the growing concern over the violence and conflict that was erupting within urban areas, particularly concerning racial issues. The commission aimed to understand the underlying causes of the riots, which included systemic inequality, poverty, and racial discrimination, and to provide recommendations to address these issues and prevent future occurrences of unrest.

The findings of the Kerner Commission highlighted that the nation was moving toward two societies, one Black and one White, separate and unequal. This pivotal report aimed to confront the societal problems that led to such disturbances and sought to foster unity and understanding between racial groups. The recommendations emphasized the need for government action in areas like housing, education, and employment to combat the pervasive racism and socioeconomic disparities that were at the root of the riots.