York in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Memorial Bench in Memory of Ms. Lillie Belle Allen
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2020
1. Memorial Bench in Memory of Ms. Lillie Belle Allen Marker
Ms. Allen was a 27 year old single black Mother who on July 21st 1969 was shot and killed during the race riots here in York, PA.
Just a few blocks away from here at the intersection of Newberry St. and Gay Ave. at the railroad tracks, Ms. Allen's family was driving their Cadillac North on Newberry St. when they saw a large group of armed white men and young boys pointing rifles and guns at the car as they started over the railroad tracks. The family attempted to turn around when they saw the armed men and boys, but the car stalled out on the railroad tracks. Ms. Allen got out of the car in an attempt to get into the driver's seat and drive the family away from the area and back to safety. As she got out of the car and raised her hands in the air and yelled "Don't Shoot" a barrage of gunfire rang out, killing Ms. Allen and sending many, many bullets into the car. Ms. Allen died trying to save her family. This was a senseless killing of an innocent Mother trying to safe her Family.
This was a very shameful event to happen in the City of York, PA and it is a very bad part of our history, but none the less it is our History and this story must continue to be told. We must "never" forget the sacrifice Ms. Allen made for her family.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans
this page online
Location. 39° 57.93′ N, 76° 44.297′ W. Marker is in York, Pennsylvania, in York County. Marker is at the intersection of North Newberry Street and Hill Avenue on North Newberry Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 N Newberry St, York PA 17401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Memorial Bench in Memory of Police Officer Henry C. Schaad (here, next to this marker); The Forry House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Statue of Liberty Replica (approx. ¼ mile away); Jacob L. Devers (1887-1979) (approx. ¼ mile away); York Manufacturing Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); Liberty Garden (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); General Jacob L. Devers (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.
Additional keywords. 1969 race riots
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 3, 2020
2. Memorial Bench in Memory of Ms. Lillie Belle Allen Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 4, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 4, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
