Washington D.C. — President Joe Biden has officially designated the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument in Springfield, Illinois, using the Antiquities Act. The site marks one of the most violent race riots in U.S. history, which occurred on August 14, 1908. During this three-day attack, the Black community and prosperous Black businesses were targeted, resulting in the lynching of two Black men and widespread destruction of homes and businesses. This event led to the formation of the NAACP.
The Springfield community, legislators, and NAACP have long advocated for this designation. William Roberts, senior vice president for Rights and Justice at the Center for American Progress (CAP), commented on the monument's designation:
"President Biden’s use of the Antiquities Act today serves to honor and remember the victims and survivors of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot. This horrific event is part of a dark chapter of America’s history, and it is important for public lands to preserve the full story to educate current and future generations. This new national monument also solemnly honors the work that came after—a stepped-up campaign against lynching led by Ida B. Wells and the founding of the NAACP. It is a proud step forward in expanding the inclusiveness of histories told on America’s public lands."
Related resources include:
- “16 National Monuments and Marine Sanctuaries Biden Should Create or Expand” by Drew McConville, Angelo Villagomez, Sam Zeno, Michael Freeman, and Nicole Gentile
- “National Monuments Are a Missing Piece in Biden’s Equitable Conservation Agenda” by Sam Zeno, Jenny Rowland-Shea, Cassandra Carmichael, José G. González, Bennae Calac, and Shanna Edberg
For further information or expert commentary contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].
