Events

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, we will commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the 1919 race riot with a bike tour of historic sites connected to the event. We also hope to unveil the first prototypes of artistic markers to commemorate those killed in 1919.

Join The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project (CRR19), Organic Oneness, and supporting partners on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 from 10am to 2pm for the 3rd Annual event commemorating the anniversary of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919. A brief program begins at 10am and the 2-hour ride begins at 10:30 am. The bike tour will travel through the Bronzeville and Bridgeport neighborhoods.

Please register for the event here.

On the bike tour, you will learn about the history of Eugene Williams and how his unjust racist killing sparked the Chicago Race Riot of 1919–the worst incident of racial violence in City history and among twenty-five such incidents across the nation that came to be known as the Red Summer.

The program will begin at the Chicago Military Academy (3519 S Giles Ave, Chicago, IL 60653) and the bike tour will take you to key race riot sites as well as other locations highlighting the history and resilience of the Black community now known as Bronzeville including the Chicago Defender, Chicago Bee, Ida B. Wells, and Victory Monument.

We will reconvene at Chicago Military Academy for a light lunch provided by Ain’t She Sweet while witnessing the unveiling of artistic markers created by Project Fire youth to commemorate those killed during the race riots of 1919.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a helmet. If not vaccinated, please wear a mask and maintain social distance. In the event of rain, the ride will be rescheduled for the following morning, Sunday, July 25th.

The first 200 people will receive free CRR19 neck gaiters.

The event is free with an option for donations. All donations of $25 or more will receive a Chicago Race Riot 1919 shirt at the check-in table.