Chicago Race Riot of 1919 victims memorialized in new South Side art display

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Activists, artists and Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled Saturday public art pieces commemorating the Chicago Race Riot of 1919.

Johnson cut a ribbon Saturday,  unveiling five markers each a work of art embedded in the sidewalk at 35th and State.

Each is a memorial to an individual killed at this location. There will be 33 more.

“This event, unfortunately, is not widely known amongst our residents and people of this country…That is why the creation of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project is so important, at a time in our nation’s history where there are individuals who wish to have a rematch of the Civil War, at a time, in which our nation’s history, where those who are calling for more division and separation,” Johnson said.

With murders, beatings and arson, the rioting went on for days after Black teenagers crossed an invisible line on the 29th Street Beach.

Of the 38 who were killed, 23 were Black and 15 white.

“We’re going to be commemorating and celebrating the five markers every year, but, guess what? It’s just the beginning,” said Franklin Cosey-Gay, co-director of the project. “Unfortunately, there are 33 other victims, 530 people who are also injured, 38 fatal victims and thousands of people left homeless and without business because of the race riots, and we firmly know serves as the origin story to segregation in Chicago.”

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