What happened during the Tulsa Race Massacre? The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, occurred in 1921 in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This tragic event saw one of the most prosperous African American communities, often called "Black Wall Street," destroyed. Over 18 hours, from May 31 to June 1, a white mob attacked residents, homes, and businesses. The violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 100 to 300 people, with thousands left homeless. The massacre was sparked by a false accusation against a Black teenager, leading to widespread devastation and a lasting impact on the community.
What Was the Tulsa Race Massacre?
The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, was one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in U.S. history. It occurred in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a prosperous African American community known as "Black Wall Street."
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The massacre took place over 18 hours from May 31 to June 1, 1921.
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The Greenwood District was one of the wealthiest Black communities in the United States at the time.
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The violence began after a young Black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator.
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Rowland was arrested, and rumors of a lynching spread, prompting a group of Black men to go to the courthouse to protect him.
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A confrontation between the Black men and a larger group of white men led to gunfire, sparking the massacre.
The Scale of Destruction
The extent of the destruction during the Tulsa Race Massacre was staggering. Homes, businesses, and lives were lost in a matter of hours.
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An estimated 300 people were killed, though the exact number remains unknown.
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Over 1,200 homes were burned to the ground.
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Approximately 35 city blocks were destroyed.
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More than 800 people were admitted to hospitals with injuries.
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Around 10,000 Black residents were left homeless.
The Aftermath and Cover-Up
The aftermath of the massacre saw attempts to cover up the events and silence the survivors. The community faced immense challenges in rebuilding.
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Martial law was declared, and the National Guard was brought in to restore order.
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Many survivors were detained in internment camps for days.
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Insurance companies refused to pay claims for the damages, citing riot clauses.
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The massacre was largely omitted from local, state, and national history books for decades.
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Survivors and their descendants faced systemic racism and economic hardship long after the event.
Rediscovery and Recognition
In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge and remember the Tulsa Race Massacre. This has included educational initiatives, memorials, and reparations discussions.
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In 1996, the Oklahoma state government established the Tulsa Race Riot Commission to investigate the events.
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The commission's 2001 report recommended reparations for survivors and their descendants.
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In 2020, the massacre was included in the Oklahoma school curriculum.
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The Greenwood Cultural Center was established to preserve the history and legacy of the community.
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In 2021, President Joe Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Tulsa to commemorate the massacre's 100th anniversary.
The Legacy of Black Wall Street
Despite the destruction, the legacy of Black Wall Street lives on. The resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Greenwood community continue to inspire.
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Before the massacre, Greenwood had over 300 Black-owned businesses, including theaters, hotels, and newspapers.
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The community rebuilt after the massacre, though it never fully regained its former prosperity.
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The story of Black Wall Street has inspired numerous books, documentaries, and films.
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The Greenwood Rising History Center, opened in 2021, serves as a museum and educational center dedicated to the history of the massacre and the resilience of the community.
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The Tulsa Race Massacre has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality in the United States.
Reflecting on the Tulsa Race Massacre
The Tulsa Race Massacre remains one of the darkest chapters in American history. This tragic event, which took place in 1921, saw the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood District, also known as "Black Wall Street." Hundreds of lives were lost, and thousands were left homeless. The massacre was fueled by racial tensions and economic envy, leading to a violent attack on the African American community.
Understanding this event is crucial for acknowledging the systemic racism that has shaped the United States. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the Black community, despite facing immense adversity. By learning about the Tulsa Race Massacre, we honor the victims and ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten. This knowledge empowers us to work towards a more just and equitable society.
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