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Designate the site of the Springfield Race Riot as a national monument
On August 14, 1908, one of the most violent race riots in our country’s history happened in Springfield, Illinois. The riots started when an innocent Black man was wrongly accused of rape, leading to a white mob of 5,000 rioters attacking Black neighborhoods and businesses, killing nine Black citizens.
The story of the riots has often been overlooked in our country’s history. Springfield Race Riot National Monument will stand as a symbol to Americans everywhere that our nation’s parks can reflect all the people of this country, and ensure that this story is never forgotten.
Please urge President Biden to designate this historic and cultural site as a national monument today.