On the morning of May 30, 1921, a young black man named Dick Rowland was riding in the elevator in the Drexel Building at Third and Main with a white woman named Sarah Page. The details of what followed vary from person to person. Some accounts suggest that Rowland tripped and accidentally touched Page, while others claim it was a harmless interaction. Regardless of the specifics, word of the incident quickly spread throughout the city of Tulsa.

As rumors and hearsay circulated among the white community, tensions began to rise. The incident became increasingly exaggerated with each retelling, fueling racial animosity and apprehension. The salacious nature of the story contributed to the growing unease that would soon explode into violence.

Tulsa police arrested Rowland the following day and initiated an investigation. However, tensions were already at a boiling point. An inflammatory report in the May 31 edition of the Tulsa Tribune further fanned the flames of racial hatred. The article alleged an attempted assault by Rowland, painting a skewed and sensationalized version of events. This piece of journalism only served to deepen the divide between black and white residents, setting the stage for the devastating events that would soon unfold.

The release of the article sparked a confrontation between armed white mobs and African Americans who had gathered around the courthouse, where Rowland was being held. Bottled-up frustration, prejudice, and fear all converged in a chaotic and violent clash that would forever mar the city’s history.

Shots were fired, and amidst the chaos, the outnumbered African Americans began retreating to the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street. Historically known as a prosperous and thriving community, the Greenwood District was a symbol of African American resilience and success. However, it would soon become the epicenter of unimaginable destruction.

The eruption of violence on May 31, 1921, marked the beginning of the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst episodes of racial violence in American history. Over the course of two days, the Greenwood District was systematically destroyed by white mobs, leaving countless black residents dead, injured, or displaced. Homes, businesses, and churches were looted and burned to the ground, reducing a once-thriving community to ashes.

The scars of the Tulsa Race Massacre still resonate today, a painful reminder of the deep-rooted racial tensions that have plagued American society. This tragic event serves as a call to acknowledge the dark chapters of our history, confront systemic racism, and work towards building a more inclusive and just society for all.

How To End Racism

Racism is a deep-rooted issue that has plagued societies around the world, including the United States. While progress has been made in the fight against racism, it is essential to acknowledge its presence both in the past and present. Despite the desire of many white Americans to distance themselves from the dark history of racism, it is crucial to confront these difficult truths head-on for true progress to take place.

The process of eradicating racism requires a collective effort from all members of society. This entails acknowledging and learning from the mistakes of the past, understanding the systemic inequalities that persist, and working towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

By refusing to bury the history of racism, we can gain a deeper understanding of the injustices and inequality that continue to affect marginalized communities. It is through this acknowledgement that we can begin to dismantle the structures and systems that perpetuate discrimination.

Education plays a vital role in combating racism, as it empowers individuals with knowledge of the past, challenges prevailing narratives, and fosters empathy and understanding. By educating ourselves and others, we can actively work towards breaking down the barriers that perpetuate racism and building a more inclusive society.

While progress may be incremental, it is important to remain vigilant and committed to the cause. Engaging in open conversations, advocating for policy changes, and fostering inclusivity within our own circles are all meaningful actions that contribute to the larger movement against racism.

It is only by facing and addressing the presence of racism in a society that we can hope to overcome it. By embracing the difficult conversations and actively working towards change, we have the power to shape a future that is genuinely inclusive and free from the shackles of discrimination.

Remember, this battle against racism requires a long-term commitment and a collective spirit. Together, we can create a better tomorrow that values diversity, equality, and justice for all.