It is crucial to engage in discussions surrounding the recent unrest that has erupted across our nation. I refuse to remain silent, as this is a profoundly disturbing aspect of human history that demands attention. Protesters have taken to the streets, igniting fires, looting, and causing damage, all while putting countless vulnerable individuals at risk.
You might assume I am referencing the current protests following the tragic death of George Floyd. However, I am actually referring to the Tulsa Massacre, a horrific event that stands as one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in American history and has been largely obscured from public knowledge.
In the summer of 1921, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was home to a vibrant Black community that was violently attacked. A mob of white supremacists, some armed and deputized by local officials, descended upon Greenwood, looting establishments, setting buildings ablaze, and murdering hundreds of Black residents.
Research from the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot reveals that around 11,000 Black individuals lived in Tulsa at the time, with a significant number residing in Greenwood. Estimates suggest that up to 300 Black lives were lost, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed. The fire department arrived far too late, unjustly blaming the Black citizens for the delay. By the time martial law was declared, the massacre had already ceased, and many Black individuals were unjustly detained.
It’s essential to highlight that not a single white perpetrator has faced criminal charges or accountability for their actions during this atrocity. This dark secret of our past has been deliberately omitted from history books until relatively recently, revealing a pattern of genocide against Black Americans that has often gone unpunished.
The erasure of the Tulsa Massacre from collective memory exemplifies white supremacy’s control over historical narratives. As Shea Martin, a community organizer and educator, articulates, “The intentional omission of such a thriving Black community and its subsequent destruction is a clear demonstration of white supremacy.” It is imperative that we, as learners and educators, actively seek out these suppressed narratives of resistance and resilience.
The narrative around racism and violence in America has often been shaped to benefit one group while marginalizing another. This leads to a critical question: If the majority of white individuals remain silent while their counterparts commit acts of genocide, support police brutality, and perpetuate systemic oppression against Black people, how can they claim moral authority to oppose a justified uprising?
White supremacy is a pervasive issue, arguably more dangerous than any pandemic we face today. Martin states, “I am not surprised by the violent responses from law enforcement against protestors; this system has long been built upon the suffering of Black individuals.” The reactions to property damage often overshadow the real pain and suffering that Black Americans endure daily. The anger expressed through protests is deeply rooted in generations of trauma and injustice.
In a recent statement, a government spokesperson suggested that the President’s actions were intended to send a message against rioters and looters. Yet, it is profoundly hypocritical when the same administration has historically failed to protect Black lives from violence.
The events in Tulsa serve as a reminder of the need for awareness and action. It is vital for individuals to acknowledge their privilege and engage with the difficult truths of history and present realities. We must understand that the expressions of grief and anger we witness today are legitimate and necessary responses to ongoing oppression.
In summary, the Tulsa Massacre is a stark reminder of America’s violent history and the ongoing legacy of racial injustice. It highlights the urgent need for dialogue, education, and acknowledgment of the narratives often left untold.
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