President Biden to Designate National Monument at Site of 1908 Springfield Race Riot

President Joe Biden is set to sign a proclamation on Friday designating a national monument at the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois. This event, which later led to the formation of the NAACP, will be commemorated in the Oval Office with civil rights leaders and community members from President Abraham Lincoln’s hometown in attendance.

The significance of this ceremony is heightened by the recent tragic shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, by a white sheriff’s deputy in Springfield. Massey’s family and supporters are calling for justice in prosecuting the deputy, Sean Grayson, who has been charged with first-degree murder in her death.

Teresa Haley, former president of the Springfield NAACP, emphasized the importance of recognizing the untold story of the 1908 riot and the impact it had on the Black community. The riot, which resulted in the deaths of innocent Black men and the destruction of homes and businesses, was a dark chapter in Springfield’s history.

The National Guard was called in to restore order during the riot, and the formation of the NAACP in response to the violence marked a turning point in the fight for civil rights. The monument designation by President Biden serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Black Americans in the ongoing struggle for equality.

The ceremony will not only honor those who lost their lives in the 1908 attack but also acknowledge the lasting impact of this tragedy on the community. U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, who advocated for the monument designation, praised the decision as a critical step forward in recognizing the historical significance of the Springfield race riot.