President Joe Biden signed a proclamation designating a national monument at the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, a historical event that marked a dark moment in America’s history of racial violence against Black people. The monument is intended to serve as a solemn reminder of the two-day riot, during which mobs of white residents targeted Black individuals under false pretenses. Biden’s decision to establish the monument is seen as an effort to solidify his legacy and distinguish himself from his predecessor, former President Donald Trump, by addressing issues of racial injustice and promoting democracy.
During the signing of the proclamation, Biden emphasized the importance of remembering and learning from events like the 1908 race riot in Springfield, stating that such incidents should not be forgotten and can happen again if efforts to protect democracy are not made. The monument is also meant to acknowledge the resilience of the Black community in the face of racial violence, as the event contributed to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Biden’s recognition of this historical moment comes at a time when racial violence and discrimination continue to be significant issues in the United States, exemplified by recent incidents such as the shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, by a white sheriff’s deputy in Springfield.
The 1908 race riot in Springfield was a gruesome episode that left a lasting impact on the Black community, with two Black men being lynched, Black-owned businesses being looted and vandalized, and Black homes being damaged or destroyed. The violence also resulted in the death of several white individuals and injuries to many others. Despite white rioters being charged, they were ultimately acquitted for their roles in the lynching and destruction. The formation of the NAACP in response to this event marked a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, with its founding members including prominent scholar W.E.B. DuBois. The establishment of the national monument at the site of the riot aims to ensure that the lessons learned from these dark chapters in history are not forgotten.
In addition to the Springfield monument, President Biden has taken other steps to address racial injustice and promote awareness of historical atrocities. This includes signing legislation that codifies lynching as a federal hate crime, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and proclaiming national monuments honoring Emmett Till and his mother Mamie Till-Mobley in Illinois and Mississippi. Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Black boy, was brutally murdered in 1955 in Mississippi after allegedly whistling at a white woman. His mother’s decision to have an open casket funeral and publish photos of his mutilated body in Jet magazine played a crucial role in galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement. These actions highlight Biden’s commitment to confronting America’s history of racial violence and ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and remembered.
The National Park Service conducted surveys and studies that confirmed the significance of the sites associated with the Springfield riot, leading to the designation of the national monument. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who was present at the signing of the proclamation, emphasized the importance of remembering historical injustices and ensuring that they are not erased from collective memory. The establishment of the Springfield monument serves as a way to honor the victims of the 1908 race riot and educate future generations about the consequences of racial violence and discrimination. Biden’s efforts to recognize and memorialize these events reflect a commitment to promoting racial equality, justice, and reconciliation in the United States.
