Module 3: History
Part 9: TUlSA RACE MASSACRE (TULSA RACE RIOTS)
This part provides information about the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, commonly known as "Black Wall Street" and the race massacre that destroyed this vibrant, Black community.
&1: Tulsa
O. W. Gurley began what has become known as the Greenwood District or “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In accordance with Gurley’s vision, the Greenwood community in Tulsa became a self-sufficient Black community.
Read:
Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” Flourished as a Self-Contained Hub in the Early 1900s
https://www.history.com/news/black-wall-street-tulsa-race-massacre
In 1921, in response to an alleged attempted sexual assault of a white woman by a Black man, a white mob rioted, looted, and destroyed Black Wall Street. The woman screamed, causing the man to run. Some believe that the Black man accidentally stepped on the woman’s foot, causing her to scream. To learn more about the events and causes of this massacre, visit the resources below.
Read/Listen:
The Devastation of Black Wall Street
https://daily.jstor.org/the-devastation-of-black-wall-street/
Read/Watch:
1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (Click on “Find Out More” under “The Story” to read more.)
https://greenwoodculturalcenter.com/1921-tulsa-race-massacre
Read:
Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” Flourished as a Self-Contained Hub in the Early 1900s
https://www.history.com/news/black-wall-street-tulsa-race-massacre
In 1921, in response to an alleged attempted sexual assault of a white woman by a Black man, a white mob rioted, looted, and destroyed Black Wall Street. The woman screamed, causing the man to run. Some believe that the Black man accidentally stepped on the woman’s foot, causing her to scream. To learn more about the events and causes of this massacre, visit the resources below.
Read/Listen:
The Devastation of Black Wall Street
https://daily.jstor.org/the-devastation-of-black-wall-street/
Read/Watch:
1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (Click on “Find Out More” under “The Story” to read more.)
https://greenwoodculturalcenter.com/1921-tulsa-race-massacre
Explore:
The Attack on Greenwood
https://www.tulsahistory.org/exhibit/1921-tulsa-race-massacre/
Read:
Tulsa Race Massacre
https://www.history.com/topics/roaring-twenties/tulsa-race-massacre
Watch:
Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921: The Painful Past of “Black Wall Street”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sorCAFQOqc&feature=emb_logo
Reflect:
- What did you learn from these resources?
- How does this learning impact your view of history and of our current society?
- How does this learning inspire you to take action? What are your next steps?
The next part looks at “Sundown Towns” and their role in continuing segregation and racist policies.
