SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner was proud to visit Washington, D.C. last week to stand in support of the president signing a proclamation to designate a national monument to commemorate the 1909 race riot in Springfield. 

“The Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument is a solemn reminder of the tragic events that took place in our city,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This designation is an important step toward healing and reconciliation, giving us space to educate and reflect.”

President Joe Biden signed a proclamation Friday designating a national monument to honor the 1908 race riot in Springfield that caused numerous deaths, injuries and destroyed dozens of Black-owned businesses and homes.

The monument will feature interpretive exhibits, educational programs, and preserved historical sites to highlight the riot's impact on the Black community.

“This monument isn’t just about looking back at what happened – it’s about facing the past head-on and learning from it,” said Turner. “It will show the strength and resilience of our community, our shared commitment to justice and equality, and remind us of our promise to build a future where these kinds of injustices won’t happen again.”

Turner has been a steadfast leader in securing national monument recognition for the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site and looks forward to the site being a place that helps educate future generations while boosting local tourism and supporting national discussions on race and justice.