Thirty-nine years ago today, Augusta's sky was lit by burning buildings, the air filled with angry voices, and hundreds were jailed.

What happened once everything settled down will be addressed today at the Augusta Museum of History in a lecture called Augusta is Burning, presented by William Coleman Jr.

On the night of May 11, 1970, Mr. Coleman, a young lawyer, was appointed by the chief Superior Court judge to provide legal counsel for those arrested during the riots.

"The first night, I talked to 25 to 30 people and many more in the following nights," he said. "By the time it quieted down, I had helped hundreds post bond and ended up representing three individuals who were charged with possession of stolen property."

The three days of rioting were sparked by the death of 16-year-old Charles Oatman on May 9, 1970. He was being held in the Richmond County jail in connection with the killing of his 5-year-old niece, according to Augusta Chronicle archives.

The riots resulted in six deaths and caused more than $1 million in property damage.

Mr. Coleman will speak about the riots and his involvement as a lawyer and show film footage.

Grady Abrams, a city councilman at the time, will also participate.

"Grady and I have spoken several times about the riots and its impact, and about sharing this piece of history with our community. I feel that this is something people need to know about," Mr. Coleman said.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.