Greenwood Massacre or the Black Wall Street Massacre. This tragic event took place in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921.
Greenwood was a prosperous African American community known as "Black Wall Street" due to its thriving businesses, including black-owned banks, hotels, theatres, and other enterprises. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, racial tensions escalated after a young Black man, Dick Rowland, was accused of assaulting a young white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator. The details of the incident remain unclear, but it served as a catalyst for violence.
A white mob gathered outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held, and there were confrontations between white and Black residents. The situation escalated, leading to the white mob attacking the Greenwood District. Homes and businesses were looted, and a large portion of the district was burned to the ground. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that hundreds of Black residents were killed, and thousands were left homeless.
The massacre had a devastating impact on the African American community in Tulsa. Despite the destruction, the residents of Greenwood worked to rebuild their community, but the massacre was largely downplayed or omitted from historical records for many years. It gained more attention in the late 20th century, and efforts have been made to recognize and remember the victims and the resilience of the Greenwood community.
Key points
Background:
Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a prosperous African American community in the early 20th century, known as "Black Wall Street."
Incident:
May 31-June 1, 1921: Racial tensions escalated after the arrest of a Black man, Dick Rowland, accused of assaulting a white woman, Sarah Page.
Violence Eruption:
A white mob gathered outside the courthouse, leading to confrontations between white and Black residents.
Destruction:
The white mob attacked the Greenwood District, looting homes and businesses.
Numerous buildings were burned to the ground.
Casualties:
Estimates of the death toll vary, with hundreds of Black residents killed and thousands left homeless.
Aftermath:
The massacre had a lasting impact on the African American community in Tulsa.
Despite the destruction, efforts were made to rebuild the community.
Historical Recognition:
The massacre was downplayed or omitted from historical records for many years.
Increased attention in the late 20th century led to efforts to recognize and remember the victims.
Sources:
Ellsworth, Scott. "Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921." LSU Press, 1992.
Johnson, Hannibal B. "Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa's Historic Greenwood District." Eakin Press, 1998.
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture..
Intro
"Welcome to Echoes of Injustice: Unveiling Hate Crimes Through Time, where we explore and unpack some of the most important events in history. Today's episode is all about the Greenwood Massacre – a tragic event that forever changed the life of the African American community in 1921. Join us as we delve into the tragic circumstances surrounding this pivotal moment in American history."
Outro
"As we conclude this story through the haunting corridors of history, we want to express our gratitude for joining us on this exploration of the Greenwood Massacre. Remember, understanding our past is crucial for shaping a more compassionate future. If you found this episode thought-provoking, share it with others and keep the conversation alive. Thank you for being a part of Echoes of Injustice: Unveiling Hate Crimes Through Time. Until next time."
