image credits- washington post
Advertisement
A historic injustice under federal review
The U.S. Department of Justice has taken a critical step toward addressing a century-old racial atrocity by launching its first formal review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This tragic event, among the most violent in U.S. history, obliterated the thriving Black neighbourhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, which was widely recognized as “Black Wall Street” for its economic success.
The violence erupted on May 31, 1921, following an accusation against a Black man of assaulting a white woman. This allegation triggered a violent response from white mobs, which ultimately led to the devastating massacre in Tulsa’s Greenwood district. White mobs, motivated by racial hatred and resentment of Black prosperity, descended on Greenwood. In less than 24 hours, hundreds of lives were lost, homes and businesses were reduced to ashes, and the fabric of a thriving community was forever torn apart.
Greenwood: A beacon of black success
Greenwood, a neighbourhood in northern Tulsa, was a symbol of Black resilience and economic self-sufficiency. Its population of approximately 10,000 residents had built a flourishing community featuring grocery stores, theatres, hotels, and churches, earning the nickname “Black Wall Street.” The wealth and success found in Greenwood represented an antidote to the racial oppression faced by African Americans at the time.
However, this success also made Greenwood a target for violent white mobs. On the night of the massacre, heavily armed attackers set fire to homes and businesses, looted property, and gunned down residents. It was not just a physical attack but also an economic one, aimed at destroying the generational wealth that could have secured the fortunes of future Black generations.
The financial and human toll
The devastation wrought by the massacre extended far beyond the immediate destruction of property. A 2001 state commission report estimated the financial losses at $1.8 million, equivalent to $27 million today. That figure only begins to reveal the extent of the economic devastation caused by the massacre. More profound is the loss of potential wealth and prosperity that was stolen from generations of Black families. The legacy of the massacre continues to shape the fortunes—and misfortunes—of descendants.
Seeking justice and accountability
For decades, survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre have fought for recognition and reparations, but legal action has been minimal. The new federal review could be a turning point in bringing justice to the victims and addressing the deep racial wounds left behind.