Broads Statement on the Designation of Springfield 1908 Race Riots National Monument

“The ultimate role of the National Park System is to tell the story of America—not just of the landscapes and their wild natural wonders, but also the profoundly human story of how we came to be the nation we are today. Many of those stories are ones of achievement. But to get the full measure of America, we must also honestly remember and reflect upon our too-often violent and tragic past. One such story we must never forget is the 1908 Springfield Race Riot—where, over the course of three days in August of 1908, a mob of thousands of white people rampaged through the city of Springfield, Illinois, murdering and injuring scores of Black people, destroying many Black-owned homes and businesses, and forcing countless others to flee the city in fear for their lives. We commend President Biden and his administration for today’s proclamation of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument, which we hope will not only serve as a permanent memorial to the untold number of victims of this shameful moment in our history but will also serve as a reminder of the equity, justice, and healing work that remains unfinished.” — Sara Husby, Executive Director, Great Old Broads for Wilderness

Click here to learn more about the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument.