SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- An Illinois city council is planning to vote next week on a resolution apologizing for a 1908 race riot that led to the formation of the NAACP.
Springfield, Ill., Alderman Gail Simpson says she came up with the idea to sponsor a resolution during gatherings to commemorate the riot and promote racial harmony, The State Journal-Register newspaper in Springfield reported Wednesday.
"I believe the apology will make people feel better and at least give the impression that the citizens of Springfield cared-and do care-about the city," Simpson said.
Ken Page, president of the Springfield branch of the NAACP, disagrees, telling The State Journal-Register: "They're just words on paper. How does that translate to 2008?"
Simpson said she hopes her resolution will receive unanimous approval.
"I can't see any reason why anyone would vote against it," she told the newspaper.
The 1908 Springfield riot was a mass civil disturbance sparked by the transfer of two African-American prisoners out of the city jail. Black businesses were destroyed and at least seven deaths were reported.
