During the Race Riot, a mob of white residents murdered at least six Black Americans, burned Black homes and businesses and attacked hundreds of residents for no other reason than the color of their skin. In the aftermath of the riot, the NAACP was formed.
During the Race Riot, a mob of white residents murdered at least six Black Americans, burned Black homes and businesses and attacked hundreds of residents for no other reason than the color of their skin. In the aftermath of the riot, the NAACP was formed.
U.S. Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin continue to push for Springfield’s history to receive greater attention.
This week, in the midst of Black History Month, the pair of Democratic senators re-introduced legislation calling for the sites of Springfield’s 1908 Race Riot to be designated as a national monument.
“The 1908 Springfield Race Riots were a violent and hateful tragedy that are a part of Illinois’ tumultuous history and shouldn’t be forgotten,” Durbin said. “It is because of this event that the NAACP was formed, which has served as an unwavering voice for Black Americans. I am happy to reintroduce the Springfield Race Riot National Monument Act along with Sen. Duckworth in order to honor the lives lost during the deadly riots and reaffirm our commitment to fighting prejudice and promoting equality in Illinois and throughout the United States.”