Representative LaKeshia Myers Releases Statement Observing the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921

MADISON – Representative LaKeshia Myers (D-Milwaukee) released the following statement marking one hundred years since the Tulsa, Oklahoma, race massacre of 1921.

Myers said, “A century ago, African American citizens of the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, had their community decimated within the span of eighteen hours.  Among the ashes lay the bodies of Black men, women, and children who had been killed by a deputized white mob.  The assault on this community may have occurred one-hundred years ago, but its lasting effects have persisted in the hearts, minds, and economic livelihood of survivors and their families for the last five generations.  On the anniversary of this heinous event, I mourn the nameless victims of domestic terror whose identities are forever lost to history.  I also stand with the families of the survivors who are still seeking justice and recompense one century later.”

Representative Myers went on to say, “The Tulsa Race Massacre is not just Oklahoma history, not just Black history, it is American history.  We must begin to tell the unadulterated truth of our country; its triumphs and deficits, as well as its defeats.  As we continue to uncover truths about Tulsa and other racially motivated events that have occurred, we must do so with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to shed the biases we have acquired.  There is no monolithic American experience and embracing the uniqueness of all Americans is the first step in changing the narrative surrounding race in our country.  It is my hope that from the acknowledgement of the atrocities of one-hundred years ago, the survivors and their families’ requests for reparation—in whatever form(s) they so desire—are granted, it is the least that should be done to right an abominable wrong.”

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.