Tulsa Race Riot 1921

Background

• Tulsa Race Riot occurred from May 31 to June 1, 1921, in the Greenwood district, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• Known as "Black Wall Street," Greenwood was a prosperous African American community.
• The riot was fueled by racial tensions heightened by the alleged assault of a white woman, Sarah Page, by a black man, Dick Rowland.
• Media reports, particularly from the "Tulsa Tribune," escalated tensions, falsely accusing Rowland of assault.

Riot Events

• A white mob gathered at the courthouse where Rowland was held, intending to lynch him.
• African American men, some of whom were WWI veterans, armed themselves to protect Rowland.
• Confrontations between the white mob and black defenders led to violence.
• White rioters invaded Greenwood, destroying the area with arson and gunfire.
• Airplanes were reportedly used by white mobs to drop incendiaries on the community.

Casualties and Damage

• Estimated 75 to 300 deaths, with a combination of confirmed and reported deaths.
• Thousands of African Americans were left homeless; approximately 35 blocks of the district were destroyed.
• Property losses amounted to millions of dollars, but most insurance claims were denied.

Aftermath

• Thousands of African Americans were interned in makeshift detention centers.
• Martial law was declared, and the National Guard patrolled the city.
• Tulsans were reluctant to discuss the riot for decades, with little mention in historical accounts.
• The riot was rarely acknowledged in white communities; silence and denial persisted for years.
• The city of Tulsa attempted to prevent rebuilding in Greenwood through ordinances, which were eventually overturned.

Modern Recognition and Redress

• In the late 20th century, efforts to recognize and address the riot increased.
• The Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 was tasked with investigating and reporting on the events.
• A report was published in 2001 with recommendations for reparations to survivors and descendants, including:
  • Direct payments
  • Scholarships
  • Economic development initiatives
  • Memorials for victims

Additional Information

• Numerous sources, including eyewitness accounts and historical analysis, have contributed to the understanding of the riot’s impact.
• Efforts to identify mass grave sites and confirm casualties have been undertaken but with varying success.
• Public and scholarly interest in the riot has grown, leading to wider recognition of its historical significance.