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Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – American lynching was the topic of discussion today at the Citizens Club of Springfield.
Author and historian Tim Good was the guest speaker. Good discussed the origins of slavery and when slavery became a matter of race. A decision dated back to the 1600s would have repercussions still felt by African Americans today.
The panelists included: Deputy Director in the Office of External Relations for SIU Erica Austin, President of the Springfield NAACP Branch Austin S. Randolph, Jr., and Dubbed “First Lady of History” by IL State History Society Kathryn Harris.
A few concerns were expressed, such as the lack of teachers teaching students about the 1908 Race Riots, and what would happen if the government rescinded the federal funding promised for the building of the 1908 Race Riot Monument.
Kathryn Harris emphasized that the 1908 Race Riots must be made part of the curriculum for all. Erica Austin added that you may not see lynchings with a noose now, but there are still lynchings of African Americans in America today.
Austin Randolph assured everyone that no matter what, the monument would be built, but the support of the community is what will make it happen.