The Tulsa Race Massacre

Between 1865 and 1920, African Americans built almost 50 townships in Oklahoma. Many flourished, especially Tulsa’s “Greenwood District,” which became known as “Black Wall Street.” Soon it was the envy of whites in Tulsa. On May 31, 1921 tragedy struck. The city erupted into violence and fire in the infamous Tulsa race massacre. Black Wall Street was destroyed. To add insult to injury, the insurance companies didn’t even pay out to black owners after all of this painful death and destruction. Stephen tells this important tale and urges our great nation to ponder the opportunity now available to these insurance companies. Will the wrongs be addressed? Will this one hundred year anniversary mark a point of healing?

Image via Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture