Social media pays tribute to viral Montgomery brawl on one year anniversary

It’s been one year since the mega-viral brawl in Montgomery, Alabama that inspired songs, dance challenges, tattoos, and memes across social media, while also becoming cultural flashpoint for race relations in America.
Videos of the August 5, 2023 incident, known online as the “Montgomery Brawl,” took over social media timelines and ignited discourse about racism in the U.S. It shows a group of white boaters attacking Dameion Pickett, co-captain of the Harriott II, an attraction at Riverfront Park. Their private pontoon boats were docked in the spot designated for the city-owned cruise, with over 200 passengers on board.
“This man just put his hand on me. I was, like … it’s my job, but I’m still defending myself at the same time. So when he touched me, I was, like, ‘It’s on,'” Pickett recalled during an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America last year.
Cellphone footage shows a group of Black witnesses quickly jumping in to defend Pickett, who was tackled on the ground. At one point, teenager Aaren Hamilton Rudolph swam from the Harriott II to the dock to assist.
One scene shows a man using a folding chair during the brawl, becoming a defining symbol for the entire ordeal. It became a cultural movement about racial solidarity, experts and community advocates previously said. Although serious conversations were had about the incident, other people took a humorous approach.
“Shoutout to the Unc with the chair,” rapped Gmac Cash on his song “Montgomery Brawl which has 330,000 views on YouTube.
Some took to social media to acknowledge 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.
Another user posted an artistic rendering of the brawl beneath a banner that reads “The Alabama Sweet Tea Party”.
Others chimed in with clips of Pickett throwing his hat in the air − another memorable moment from the viral fight. And one poster chose to remember the fight with four simple symbols: a hat, a person swimming, a folding chair and a social media-style heart shape.
More on Montgomery Brawl:’Black Aquaman’ and the ‘Boston Tea Party’: World watches Montgomery riverfront brawl
According to the Montgomery Adviser, part of USA TODAY Network, there were no serious injuries from the attack. However, the drama then turned to the Montgomery Municipal Court, where the remaining chapters played out from October to December. Those arrested were each charged with misdemeanors.
And each court date, each delayed proceeding, generated media attention and a rebroadcast of those images. The following is a breakdown of how the cases ended:
Candyce Anderson planned a commemorative walk for Monday night in Montgomery with the goal of healing and unifying Montgomery.
“It’s an opportunity to bring some much-needed positive energy and create some joyful memories,” Anderson told The Advertiser.
Contributing: Shannon Heupel and Alex Gladden, Montgomery Advertiser
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].