‘No one heals in silence’: East Texans unveil 1919 Longview Race Riot marker
LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK) – East Texans gathered near Gregg County Courthouse in Longview on Thursday to unveil a historical marker remembering a dark moment in the city’s past.
In 1919, anti-Black race riots, now called the Red Summer, broke out across the country and in Longview. From July 10 to July 20 of that year, race riots broke out in Longview and led to the death of Lemuel Walters and the burning down of several Black homes, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
“Everyone’s story needs to be told. It’s important so that we know where we’ve come from, so that we can heal through it,” 1919 Longview Remembrance Project co-founder Alicia Johnson said on Thursday. “As a mental health professional, I know the value of unpacking and then healing through discussion and coupling that with community, and that’s just what we’ve done. So when you reveal a truth and you share a story, you give honor, but also you give an opportunity to heal, because no one heals in silence.”
This summer, Longview Mayor Kristen Ishihara and the Longview City Council recognized July 10 as 1919 Longview Remembrance Day.
“This day represents years of hard work and a deep commitment to truth” 1919 Longview Remembrance Project spokesperson Clent Holmes said. “As a community, we are finally able to recognize, honor, and properly lament this horrific reality that is part of our shared history and still shapes our lives today. This marker is not an ending—it is the beginning of a continued journey toward truth, justice, and healing.”
According to the Texas State Historical Association, the Longview Race Riot ended the Texas National Guard declared martial law in the city and county. That declaration was followed by a citizens committee passing resolutions disapproving the shooting and burning.
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