Tulsa race massacre

Tulsa Race Massacre

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, was one of the most devastating massacres in the history of United States, which took place in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This event led to the destruction of one of the wealthiest African American communities in the United States, often referred to as "Black Wall Street".

Background

The Greenwood District in Tulsa was a prosperous area with a thriving black community, known for its affluent African American businesses. The racial and economic tensions between the black community and the white residents of Tulsa had been escalating in the years leading up to the massacre.

Events of the Massacre

The massacre began on May 31, 1921, after a young black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a young white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator. Although the charges were later dropped, the accusation led to racial tensions boiling over. A white mob, supported at times by local authorities, attacked Greenwood on June 1, 1921. Over the course of 18 hours, the mob looted, burned, and destroyed much of the district.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the massacre was devastating. It is estimated that up to 300 African American residents were killed, and more than 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed. The event left thousands of black residents homeless and decimated the economic prosperity of the Greenwood District. The massacre was largely omitted from history books and discussions for decades, with survivors and their descendants seeking recognition and restitution.

Legacy

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in acknowledging and educating the public about the Tulsa Race Massacre. Efforts have been made to document the event and its impact on the victims and their families, as well as on the city of Tulsa and the nation. The massacre is now included in Oklahoma school curriculums, and memorials have been established to honor the victims and survivors.

See Also

• African American history
• Racial violence in the United States
• Greenwood District, Tulsa