Seeking Justice for the Tulsa Race Massacre: DOJ Reopens Investigation 100 Years Later

The long-awaited pursuit of justice for the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre has taken a significant step forward, as the Department of Justice announced its involvement in investigating the horrific events that unfolded in the once-thriving Black business district of Greenwood.

On May 31, 1921, white attackers descended upon Greenwood, killing hundreds of Black residents and destroying more than 1,250 homes. The area, known as “Black Wall Street,” was left in ruins, and the families affected have been seeking justice for decades.

Now, more than 100 years later, the Justice Department is taking action, empowered by the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. This legislation allows the DOJ and FBI to investigate civil rights violations resulting in death that occurred on or before December 31, 1979.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the Tulsa investigation, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on past racial violence and seeking justice for the victims. While she acknowledges that many of the perpetrators may no longer be alive, she is committed to honoring the survivors by pursuing accountability.

The reopening of these cold civil rights cases is seen as a positive step towards reparations for the descendants of formerly enslaved African Americans. As the DOJ delves into the dark history of the Tulsa Race Massacre, there is hope that some measure of justice and closure can be achieved for the long-ignored victims of this horrific event.