100th anniversary of Tulsa Race Massacre a time to reflect and grow

The Tulsa Race Massacre took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, when mobs of white residents attacked Black residents, burned businesses and looted homes in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over 300 Black people lost their lives, and unimaginable generational wealth was lost as 35 city blocks of the prosperous town including newspapers, schools, libraries hospitals and churches were burned to the ground.

At that time the Greenwood District was the wealthiest Black community in the United States, also known as the “Black Wall Street.” Like many historical events involving African Americans, this incident was completely erased from U.S. history books and wasn’t included in the Oklahoma public schools’ curriculum until 2000, or represented at the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum until 2012.

Yesterday (May 31st) and today (June 1st) represent the 100 year anniversary of this tragic event that even still today many Americans aren’t aware of. We should all take a moment to learn about, remember, and honor those who lost their lives in Tulsa. In addition to educating our young and old about this history that was once erased from our teachings, we can use this as a platform to redouble our efforts toward creating more equality in our country, and to push for reparations for the families that have had to endure such atrocities.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.