WASHINGTON, Aug 16 (Reuters) – President Joe Biden on Friday established a new national monument in Springfield, Illinois, to commemorate the 1908 race riot that claimed several lives, injured hundreds, and devastated dozens of Black-owned businesses and homes. The riot, which saw white mobs rampage through Illinois’ capital under the pretext of punishing two jailed Black men, ultimately led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.
During a ceremony in the Oval Office, Biden was joined by civil rights and community leaders from Springfield, former President Abraham Lincoln’s hometown. The President emphasized the importance of remembering such historical events, stating, “We’ve made a lot of progress but we can never stop.” He also warned against efforts to “erase” the country’s history, highlighting the risks to democracy if such efforts succeed.
The White House issued a statement noting that the new national monument will serve to “tell the story of a horrific attack by a white mob on a Black community,” reflecting the broader experiences of racism, intimidation, and violence faced by Black Americans nationwide.
The designation of the monument comes shortly after the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, by a white sheriff’s deputy in her Springfield home, which has reignited debates over police brutality against Black Americans.
Biden’s actions continue his administration’s focus on addressing the legacy of racist violence, following his historic visit to the site of the 1921 Tulsa massacre and the establishment of Juneteenth as a federal holiday in 2021.
The President’s initiative underscores the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the importance of acknowledging the painful chapters of America’s past to build a more equitable future.