The plaque was a gift from the Equal Justice Initiative–an organization that uses historical markers as part of a larger movement to create change.

One side of the plaque recognizes the lynchings that took place in America, while the other side of the plaque recognizes the lynchings that took place in Duluth.

“It's a long time coming,” Stephan Witherspoon, a board member of CJM Inc. and a leader in the community said. “And it’s so appropriate for right now because it’s kind of like we're reverting back and why? Where's our humanity?”

During a powerful speech, Witherspoon called on the community to look at the plaque and learn from it.

“We're in a major paradigm shift and things will change. They're going to change. I'm confident and optimistic, but we need everybody to be part of the solution,” Witherspoon said.

Minnesota's Chief Judge John Tunheim also spoke at the unveiling Saturday—delivering remarks about the significance of the plaque in past and present day.

“Over 100 winters have passed since the horrible event on June 15th, 1920 and now there's a marker in its place,” Tunheim said.

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson too, spoke at Saturday’s event—expressing sadness about what happened, as well as, hope for a better future.

“These wounds of hate, racism, oppression, hurt, slavery, marginalization, brutality and lynching aren’t going to stitch themselves, so on behalf of the City of Duluth, as Mayor, I apologize to Mr. Clayton, Mr. Jackson, Mr. McGhie and their families, to the residents in our community who one hundred years ago were terrified for their lives, for the unjust system that was never, ever set up to keep them alive.”

One hundred years after the men's tragic death, those that made the plaque possible hope it will tell stories about the men’s lives for hundreds of years to come.

“It is a secret no more. Today, we say their names. Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie,” Tunheim said.

Saturday's event was also significant because it took place on the anniversary of the inaguration of the Clayton, Jackson, McGhie memorial in 2003, 17 years ago.

To watch the original story and see related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/historic-plaque-donated-to-clayton-jackson-mcghie-memoria...