Biden Declares National Monument for 1908 Springfield Race Riot

President Joe Biden designated a national monument to commemorate the 1908 Springfield race riot, which resulted in numerous deaths, injuries, and the destruction of Black-owned businesses. The riot significantly contributed to the formation of the NAACP. Biden emphasized the importance of remembering historical injustices to safeguard democracy.

President Joe Biden on Friday designated a national monument to commemorate the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Illinois, that resulted in several deaths, numerous injuries, and the destruction of numerous Black-owned businesses and homes. The incident led to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) the following year.

During a ceremony in the Oval Office featuring civil rights leaders, Biden highlighted the importance of remembering historical events. He warned that ongoing efforts to erase segments of history pose risks to democracy. The President's move comes amid a broader context of book bans targeting works about race issues.

The White House stated the new national monument would highlight the racism, intimidation, and violence faced by Black Americans. This event follows the recent fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, by a white deputy, which has reignited debates on police brutality against Black Americans. Biden's actions are consistent with his previous initiatives, such as his 2021 visit to the Tulsa massacre site and making Juneteenth a federal holiday.

(With inputs from agencies.)