Documentary Spotlights 1908 Springfield race riot

September 24, 2008
By Michael Omenazu
Staff Writer

For many in Illinois the year 1908 is a synonymous with infamy as it serves as the last time the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. In the century in between, the city has suffered setbacks and different disappointments, all attributed to a curse. Many of these moments would like to be forgotten yet still remain as a part of Cubs’ history and culture.

Springfield, the state capital shares similar sentiments as 100 years ago it participated in race riots that were the manifestations of racial hatred and discrimination. Ironically, a city proud of its history as the home of Abraham Lincoln, a president forever linked with the emancipation of African-American slaves. 

Although many residents of the capital city fail to remember the specific on goings of the racial tension which escalated into violence, the events are forever remembered on a documentary produced by a collaboration effort which included David Antoine, a member of the UIS Office of Electronic Media, First Springfield Historian Edward Russo, and a special 1908 race riot committee commission by former Springfield mayor Ozzie Langfelder.

The film was featured as a part of UIS’ Political Art and the Public Sphere which is a series of forums discussing social and political issues. According to Donna McCracken, a major theme explored in the series is the issue of “race and class in 20th century American politics. Topics for subsequent programs will include the Black Panther Party and the disenfranchisement of black voters in 2004.” 

Entitled “Springfield Had No Shame” examined the race riots of 1908 through “historical photographs, dramatic readings, and re-enactments of original newspaper accounts.” Also included were “comments from historians and eyewitnesses.”

Aired on Monday, September 15 in Brookens Auditorium, it was shown before an audience composed of students, faculty and older city residents who had connections to the event presented in the documentary.  The spectators were urged to participate in dialogue about the subject matter presented by the documentary and they readily accepted the invitation, providing emotional responses as some cried and other shouted out in rage and frustration.

A member in attendance was David Antoine who contributed to the actual film. He commented that working on the project was an honor as he helped create, “a definitive history of the events,” a DVD copy that can be found through contacting Electronic Media and in Brookens Library. Also, he recognized the importance of remembering such events as he stated that, “Although what happened is tragic in nature, it also is important to remember because by failing to it can result in it happening again.”

The main issue addressed by the film is the status of race relations, highlighted through the context of Springfield being the home of Abraham Lincoln, the president considered by many to have brought about the most progress in civil rights. This was best illustrated in a hypothetical presented in the film which questioned if such a thing could happen again and as long as the answer is yes it is important to never forget.