President Biden is set to sign a proclamation on Friday to establish the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument in Illinois. This monument will commemorate a tragic event from 116 years ago when a White mob attacked a Black community in Springfield, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
The White House stated that by designating this site as a national monument, President Biden aims to acknowledge the resilience of the Black community in the face of violent oppression. At a time when efforts are being made to rewrite history and erase painful moments from the past, this monument serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the Black community and the need to honor their legacy.
The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is located on federal land in Springfield, close to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site where Abraham Lincoln resided. The site includes remnants of five charred homes that were never rebuilt, serving as a stark reminder of the destruction caused by the riot.
In a statement, President Biden emphasized the importance of recognizing and learning from our history. He highlighted that the monument will not only commemorate the tragic events of the past but also honor the individuals who stood up for civil rights in the aftermath of the riot.
This designation comes against the backdrop of recent events, including the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman, by an Illinois sheriff’s deputy. The incident has reignited discussions about racial injustice and police violence in the community.
The Springfield race riot of 1908 was triggered by the unjust incarceration of two Black men, Joe James and George Richardson, based on false accusations by White individuals. The situation escalated on August 14, 1908, when a large crowd demanded the lynching of the two men. As violence erupted, Black-owned businesses and homes were looted and destroyed, and residents were assaulted.
The riot lasted for two days, resulting in the lynching of two more Black men, William Donnegan and Scott Burton, by the mob. The aftermath of the riot forced many Black families to flee their homes and leave Springfield. Joe James was convicted and executed for murder, while George Richardson was eventually released when his accuser recanted her allegations.
The Springfield race riot played a significant role in the formation of the NAACP and drew attention to the widespread issue of lynching in the United States. The Biden administration noted that between 1882 and 1910, there were over 2,500 recorded lynchings of Black individuals in the country.
The management of the monument will be overseen by the National Park Service, which will collaborate with the community to create educational opportunities for visitors. This initiative aims to provide a platform for learning about the history of racial violence and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America.
Overall, the establishment of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument reflects a commitment to preserving the memory of past injustices and honoring the resilience of marginalized communities. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Black Americans throughout history and the ongoing fight for equality and justice.
