The Tulsa Race Massacre, often referred to as the destruction of "Black Wall Street," occurred in 1921, not in the early 1990s. It was one of the most devastating instances of racial violence in U.S. history. Here is a detailed account of the events:
### Background
Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a thriving African American community known as "Black Wall Street" due to its prosperous businesses and affluent residents. The area was a symbol of black economic success and self-sufficiency in the early 20th century.
### The Incident
The massacre began on May 31, 1921, and lasted through June 1, 1921. The catalyst was an incident involving a young black man named **** Rowland and a white woman named Sarah Page in an elevator. Rowland was accused of assaulting Page, although the details of the encounter remain unclear. Rowland was arrested, and rumors of a potential lynching spread.
### Escalation
1. **May 31, 1921:**
- A white mob gathered outside the Tulsa County Courthouse where Rowland was held, demanding that he be handed over to them.
- A group of armed black men, many of whom were World War I veterans, arrived at the courthouse to protect Rowland. They were turned away by the sheriff but the presence of armed black men incensed the white mob.
- Shots were fired, and a violent confrontation ensued.
2. **June 1, 1921:**
- The white mob, now numbering in the thousands, began attacking the Greenwood District.
- They looted and burned homes, businesses, and churches. Private planes were reportedly used to drop incendiary devices on the community.
- The Oklahoma National Guard was called in, but they reportedly assisted in the arrest of black residents rather than protecting them.
- The violence continued throughout the day, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 300 black residents and the displacement of thousands.
### Aftermath
- **Destruction:** Over 1,200 homes were destroyed, along with numerous businesses, schools, churches, and a hospital. The economic loss was immense, with property damage estimated at over $1.5 million at the time (equivalent to about $30 million today).
- **Casualties:** The exact number of deaths is unknown, but estimates range from 75 to 300. Many victims were buried in unmarked graves.
- **Displacement:** Approximately 10,000 black residents were left homeless and were forced to live in internment camps set up by the National Guard.
- **Legal Aftermath:** No one was held accountable for the violence. Insurance claims filed by black residents were denied, and the city attempted to pass zoning laws to prevent the rebuilding of Greenwood.
### Legacy
The Tulsa Race Massacre was largely omitted from local, state, and national histories for decades. It wasn't until the late 20th century that efforts to uncover and acknowledge the event gained momentum. In recent years, there have been calls for reparations and formal recognition of the massacre's impact on the black community in Tulsa.
The massacre remains a poignant reminder of the racial violence and systemic inequality that African Americans have faced in the United States. Efforts to educate the public and honor the victims continue to this day.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, often referred to as the destruction of "Black Wall Street," occurred in 1921, not in the early 1990s. It was one of the most devastating instances of racial violence in U.S. history. Here is a detailed account of the events:
### Background
Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a thriving African American community known as "Black Wall Street" due to its prosperous businesses and affluent residents. The area was a symbol of black economic success and self-sufficiency in the early 20th century.
### The Incident
The massacre began on May 31, 1921, and lasted through June 1, 1921. The catalyst was an incident involving a young black man named Dick Rowland and a white woman named Sarah Page in an elevator. Rowland was accused of assaulting Page, although the details of the encounter remain unclear. Rowland was arrested, and rumors of a potential lynching spread.
### Escalation
1. **May 31, 1921:**
- A white mob gathered outside the Tulsa County Courthouse where Rowland was held, demanding that he be handed over to them.
- A group of armed black men, many of whom were World War I veterans, arrived at the courthouse to protect Rowland. They were turned away by the sheriff but the presence of armed black men incensed the white mob.
- Shots were fired, and a violent confrontation ensued.
2. **June 1, 1921:**
- The white mob, now numbering in the thousands, began attacking the Greenwood District.
- They looted and burned homes, businesses, and churches. Private planes were reportedly used to drop incendiary devices on the community.
- The Oklahoma National Guard was called in, but they reportedly assisted in the arrest of black residents rather than protecting them.
- The violence continued throughout the day, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 300 black residents and the displacement of thousands.
### Aftermath
- **Destruction:** Over 1,200 homes were destroyed, along with numerous businesses, schools, churches, and a hospital. The economic loss was immense, with property damage estimated at over $1.5 million at the time (equivalent to about $30 million today).
- **Casualties:** The exact number of deaths is unknown, but estimates range from 75 to 300. Many victims were buried in unmarked graves.
- **Displacement:** Approximately 10,000 black residents were left homeless and were forced to live in internment camps set up by the National Guard.
- **Legal Aftermath:** No one was held accountable for the violence. Insurance claims filed by black residents were denied, and the city attempted to pass zoning laws to prevent the rebuilding of Greenwood.
### Legacy
The Tulsa Race Massacre was largely omitted from local, state, and national histories for decades. It wasn't until the late 20th century that efforts to uncover and acknowledge the event gained momentum. In recent years, there have been calls for reparations and formal recognition of the massacre's impact on the black community in Tulsa.
The massacre remains a poignant reminder of the racial violence and systemic inequality that African Americans have faced in the United States. Efforts to educate the public and honor the victims continue to this day.
Danloader Closed WhatsApp Group