Photo credit: www.npr.org
Sculptures that resemble charred chimneys emerging from the ruins of destroyed buildings form the centennial memorial titled Acts of Intolerance, created by artist Preston Jackson, unveiled on March 22, 2023, in Springfield, Illinois. This installation serves as a poignant reminder of the 1908 race riot that unfolded in the city.
On Friday, President Biden is set to sign a proclamation establishing a national monument at the site of this tragic event, which resulted in the deaths of several Black individuals and the destruction of numerous Black-owned homes and businesses. This riot starkly illustrated the prevalent racial tensions in the United States, including in Northern states that were often viewed as more accommodating to Black communities compared to the segregated Jim Crow South.
The timing of this monument’s designation coincides with the 116th anniversary of the race riot, reflecting an ongoing movement aimed at recognizing systemic racism within the U.S. and understanding how such a violent legacy has influenced contemporary society. The initiative responds to ongoing calls from progressive voices advocating for a more comprehensive acknowledgment of the contributions of Black Americans to the nation and a critical examination of how racism has underpinned the prosperity of some influential figures throughout U.S. history.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of recent events, including the police shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman who was killed by a sheriff’s deputy while seeking help via a 911 call just six weeks prior to the proclamation.
What ignited the Springfield race riot of 1908?
The tumultuous events in Springfield, President Abraham Lincoln’s hometown, were triggered by the July 1908 murder of a white man, which was allegedly committed by a Black individual. Tensions escalated in the following month when another Black man was accused of raping a white woman—a claim that was subsequently revealed to be false as the purported victim admitted to fabricating the story to conceal a consensual relationship with a white man.
In August, a violent white mob comprised of thousands descended upon the city, unleashing terror upon its 2,500 Black residents. This brutal assault included physical violence against citizens and the arson of numerous Black-owned properties, all taking place just a short distance from Lincoln’s family home.
This brutal violence acted as a significant awakening for many white Northerners, shedding light on the fact that the mistreatment of Black Americans was not confined to the Southern states, as noted by Roberta Senechal de la Roche, a history professor at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. She remarked that the severity of the Springfield race riot, particularly its association with such an iconic figure as Lincoln, highlighted the existence of a racial crisis in the North.
The atrocities faced by Springfield’s Black community resonated deeply with African Americans nationwide, leading to the inception of the NAACP, an organization that continues its mission of advocating for civil rights to this day.
Significance of the “Acts of Intolerance” monument
Artist Preston Jackson drew inspiration for the dual sculptures commemorating the riot from historic photographs documenting the devastation. Unveiled on the 100th anniversary of the tragic events, the sculptures are designed to resemble charred chimneys, signifying the structures that were set ablaze during the riot. Inside each chimney, figures represent various actions: some play music while others wield firearms, symbolizing both the harsh realities of intolerance and the potential for redemption.
“Addressing our historical narrative directly is the only means by which we can learn to shape our collective future,” Jackson stated. He emphasized that the imagery invites viewers to reflect on its significance and the long-lasting implications for societal interactions today and moving forward. More information about the monument is available here.
Source
www.npr.org