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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.

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RE: Designate the site of the Springfield Race Riot as a national monument

As an avid supporter of public lands, I urge you to designate the site of the Springfield Race Riot as a national monument. Presidents from both sides of the aisle have used the Antiquities Act to protect hundreds of millions of acres of America's most significant cultural and historic lands. It is past time that the site of the Springfield Race Riot is among them.

The riots and massacre in Springfield, Illinois, on August 14, 1908, have often been overlooked in our country's history. Designating the site of the Springfield Race Riot as a national monument will protect the site where five homes were burned to the ground. It will also help to honor the diversity of people and cultures in our country.

Please ensure the history of this tragic event is never lost by designating the site of the Springfield Race Riot as a national monument today.

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