The Coachmen's Turntable 07/10/2023

The 1921 Tulsa Massacre

The Tulsa massacre, also known as the Tulsa race riot or the Black Wall Street massacre, was a devastating event that took place in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921. The incident marked one of the most violent episodes of racial violence in American history and had a profound impact on the African American community.

Greenwood, also called Black Wall Street, was a prosperous and affluent neighborhood predominantly inhabited by African Americans. It boasted successful black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, restaurants, and various other enterprises. This economic success and the sense of community within Greenwood threatened the prevailing racial order and fueled racial tensions.

On May 31, 1921, the massacre began with an incident involving a young black man named Dick Rowland and a white elevator operator named Sarah Page. The exact details of the encounter remain unclear, but Rowland was accused of assaulting Page. The arrest and subsequent rumors of an alleged assault sparked outrage and escalated racial tensions in Tulsa.

Inflamed by sensationalized media coverage and deep-seated racism, a white mob gathered outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held. The situation quickly spiraled out of control when a group of armed black men arrived to protect Rowland. A confrontation between the white mob and the armed black residents ensued, leading to gunfire and chaos.

The violence quickly spread throughout the Greenwood District as the white mob, numbering in the thousands, began attacking black homes, businesses, and individuals. They looted, vandalized, and set fire to numerous buildings, including the renowned Black Wall Street. The local authorities failed to intervene effectively, and some reports even suggest that law enforcement actively participated in the violence.
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​​The African American residents of Greenwood were outnumbered and outgunned, and their attempts to defend their community were met with overwhelming force. The violence continued for approximately 16 hours, resulting in the destruction of over 35 square blocks and the loss of countless lives. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that hundreds of people, primarily African Americans, were killed. Thousands of residents were left homeless and displaced.

Following the massacre, the city of Tulsa sought to downplay the events and suppress information about the incident. The survivors faced significant challenges in rebuilding their lives and businesses, and many struggled to secure compensation for their losses. The history of the Tulsa massacre was largely suppressed and omitted from history books for decades.

It was not until the 1990s that concerted efforts were made to unearth the truth and acknowledge the magnitude of the tragedy. In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on the Tulsa massacre, with calls for reparations, public memorials, and educational initiatives aimed at acknowledging and learning from this dark chapter in American history.

The Tulsa massacre remains a painful reminder of the systemic racism and violence that plagued the United States during the early 20th century. It stands as a testament to the resilience of the African American community and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. By remembering and understanding this tragic event, society can strive to confront its legacy and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.