Artists Highlight Lasting Impact of Chicago's 1919 Race Riot
The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project has spent years placing memorials across the city to honor those who died during this historic event. The newest additions were unveiled during a walking tour in the Loop on Saturday.
Remembering Paul Hardwick
For many, the corner of Adams Street and Wabash Avenue is just a busy intersection near popular cultural sites like the Chicago Theatre, Grant Park, and the Art Institute. However, for Paul Hardwick, it was where his life ended more than 100 years ago. While heading to work at the Palmer House hotel, Hardwick was pursued by a mob of around 30 white aggressors, shot in the chest, beaten, and robbed.
"He was long forgotten as one of 38 killed in the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, which historians say is not often taught or discussed."
Memorializing Through Glass Markers
Thanks to the Chicago Race Riot of 1919 Commemoration Project, Hardwick is now memorialized with a marker at the site of his death. Volunteers have installed brick-shaped glass memorials into sidewalks throughout Chicago at locations of the killings.
- The markers are created by young people affected by violence.
- The project is guided by Firebird Community Arts, an organization in East Garfield Park that incorporates trauma-informed arts programs.
- So far, 19 markers have been placed around the city, including Hardwick’s plaque.
Commemoration and Education
The project aims to raise awareness about a painful chapter in Chicago's history, which is often overlooked in mainstream education and public discourse.
By embedding these poignant markers in everyday city life, the memorials serve as enduring reminders of the lives lost and the impact of racial violence.
Author’s summary: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 is commemorated through impactful glass markers placed across the city, honoring victims like Paul Hardwick and educating the public about this often overlooked tragedy.