The Untold Story of the Tulsa Massacre: Seeking Justice and Recognition for Black Wall Street

The Tulsa Massacre of 1921, also known as the destruction of Black Wall Street, is a dark chapter in American history that has been largely overlooked and ignored. Despite efforts in pop culture to shed light on this tragedy, such as in TV shows like The Watchmen and Lovecraft Country, the majority of Americans remain unaware of this defining event of the 20th century.

Now, with only two known survivors left from the Tulsa Massacre, the fight for justice and recognition continues. Lessie Benningfield Randle, 108, and Viola Fletcher, 109, recently had their reparations suit denied by the Oklahoma Supreme Court. These survivors, who were only children when the massacre occurred, still vividly remember the night when their community was destroyed, businesses were burned down, and hundreds of Black men, women, and children were killed by a white mob.

Despite the detailed testimonies from the survivors and the well-documented history of the event, the state’s Supreme Court refused to grant a fair trial, stating that the grievances did not fall within the scope of the public nuisance statute. However, efforts are still ongoing to acknowledge this tragedy and right the wrongs of the past.

A bipartisan bill is currently being considered by the Senate to recognize the Greenwood neighborhood as a National Monument, with support from senators like Cory Booker and James Lankford. This bill aims to honor the legacy of Black excellence and commemorate those who perished during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. As the fight for justice continues, it is crucial to remember and acknowledge the atrocities of the past to ensure a more equitable future for all.