Visions 1908 was founded by Teresa Haley in 2016, to raise funds and secure property for the artifacts discovered from the August 14-15, 1908, Race Riots in Springfield, IL. Teresa Haley, President of the NAACP, had a vision to create a place for the community and visitors to visit and reflect on an integral part of history that led to the start of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As President, Ms. Haley also wanted this to be the NAACP Office building and Education Center for its Back-to-School/Stay-in-School Academy and other charitable endeavors. Accordingly, Ms. Haley called this property a one-stop-shop for the NAACP in Springfield, Illinois.
The purpose and mission of Visions 1908 is to provide programs and resources to assist individuals in economically distressed communities grow personally and professionally. Visions 1908 is a community-based organization and is committed to addressing the civil rights, social justice, educational and economic justice in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.
Visions 1908’s goal is to help the residents of the community grow and become self-sufficient, to engage members of the community that are negatively impacted from an equity lens. Help minority residents become homeowners and business owners. Visions 1908 recognizes people in vulnerable communities are more likely to live in neighborhoods with deteriorating infrastructure. The goal of Vision 1908 is to assist and ensure that communities neglected due to racial, economic, and social inequalities i.e., the historically marginalized and vulnerable communities of color can also be prosperous and productive with the right assistance.
1908 race riot
national monument
1908 Race Riot Memorial
Springfield NAACP & Public Parks Forum
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1908 Springfield Race Riot
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