Tulsa Race Massacre: Justice Department Report & Historical Reckoning

The Department of Justice has released a 123-page document on the Tulsa Race Massacre. This ground-breaking report offers new insight into a tragic event in American history. The review was carried out under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. This act provides an in-depth look at the massacre and examines the terrible consequences. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was a cruel civil rights violation, marked by its large scale and coordinated attacks. The massacre led to the devastation of Greenwood, a thriving Black community also known as “Black Wall Street.”

White citizens of Tulsa attacked Greenwood. They killed hundreds of Black residents, burned homes and churches, and stole property. Survivors were held in internment camps. For over a century, the Justice Department was silent, never formally acknowledging the terrible events. This new document ends that silence.

It makes clear that the massacre was not random mob violence but a planned military-style attack on Greenwood. The report also reveals new details that deepen our understanding of this horrific event. Over 100 years have passed, and there are no surviving attackers to prosecute. However, the document highlights the ongoing historical reckoning for the massacre.

Understanding the Tulsa Race Massacre and Greenwood

It reminds us of the deep-seated racism and violence that shaped the nation’s past and still calls for accountability and justice. Understanding the historical context of the Tulsa Race Massacre is key. Greenwood, also known as “Black Wall Street,” was a vibrant community built by African Americans in the early 20th century. According to Greenwood Rising (https://greenwoodrising.org/), the history center in Tulsa serves as a memorial and educational resource dedicated to telling the story of Black Wall Street and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

It was a symbol of Black economic strength and self-reliance, challenging the racial hierarchy and economic inequality of the time. This success made Greenwood a target. Resentment and envy grew, fueling the racial hatred that caused the massacre. The destruction of Greenwood was not just physical violence but an attempt to destroy Black economic progress and strengthen white supremacy.

The Lasting Impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre

The Tulsa Race Massacre had long-lasting effects that went beyond the immediate loss of life and property. The destruction of Greenwood greatly hurt the Black community, wiping out wealth passed down through families, disrupting social connections, and leaving lasting mental scars. Many survivors struggled to rebuild their lives, often lacking support or payment. The massacre created a culture of silence and denial. Many were unwilling to acknowledge the event for decades.

According to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission Report (https://okhistory.org/research/1921-tulsa-race-massacre-centennial-commission-report), the commission was formed to educate about the event and its legacy.

This silence continued the injustice and hindered efforts to achieve healing. As Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TulsaRaceMassacre) notes, the Tulsa Race Massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, and remains one of the worst incidents of racial violence in U.S. history.