Biden signs order to establish 1908 Springfield race riot monument as he looks to burnish legacy
President Joe Biden has signed a proclamation to establish a national monument to commemorate the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Ill
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Friday designated a national monument at the site of the 1908 race riot in Springfield, Ill., a seminal moment in the United States' long and difficult history with racial violence targeting Black people.
Biden was joined in the Oval Office by lawmakers as well as civil rights and community leaders as he signed the proclamation establishing the monument on 1.57 acres of federal land. The monument is intended to be a solemn reminder of the two-day riot sparked by mobs of white residents tearing through Illinois’ capital city under the pretext of meting out judgment against two Black men — one jailed on a sexual assault charge involving a white woman, and the other jailed in the separate murder of a white man.
The Democratic president's effort to establish the monument comes as he looks to burnish his legacy in his final months in office. Biden is also looking to help Vice President Kamala Harris contrast herself with former President Donald Trump, who is aiming to cut into Democrats historic edge with Black voters.
“We can't let these things fade,” Biden said before signing the proclamation. He added, “I know this may not seem significant to most Americans, but it’s of great significance. ... It can happen again if we don’t take care of and fight for our democracy.”
