The Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most devastating acts of racial violence in U.S. history, occurred over 18 hours from May 31 to June 1, 1921, in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood, often called “Black Wall Street,” was a thriving African American community known for its successful businesses, schools, and vibrant cultural life. Its success, however, bred resentment among white residents in a deeply segregated society.
A confrontation over a false allegation ignited the massacre. A young Black man, Dick Rowland, was accused of assaulting a white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator. Although the details remain unclear, rumors spread rapidly, and an angry white mob gathered at the courthouse, demanding Rowland’s lynching. Black residents, determined to protect Rowland, also assembled, leading to a tense standoff.
On the evening of May 31, violence erupted. White mobs, some deputized by local authorities, looted and burned Greenwood. Airplanes were reportedly used to drop incendiary devices on buildings. Over 1,000 homes and businesses were destroyed, and the once-thriving district was reduced to ashes. Hundreds of Black residents were killed or injured, while thousands were left homeless.
Sadly, Insurance companies refused to compensate victims, and no one was held accountable for the destruction or loss of life. For decades, the event was omitted from historical narratives, leaving many unaware of its impact.
In recent years, efforts to acknowledge the massacre have gained momentum. Survivors and descendants have sought justice, and the event has been recognized as a significant turning point in the fight for racial equity. The Tulsa Race Massacre serves as a reminder of the effects of racism and the importance of confronting historical injustices.
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Tulsa Race Massacre is observed annually on May 31st.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 31 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | May 31 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 31 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 31 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 31 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 31 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 31 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 31 | Thursday |
| 2030 | May 31 | Friday |
| 2031 | May 31 | Saturday |
| 2032 | May 31 | Monday |
| 2033 | May 31 | Tuesday |
| 2034 | May 31 | Wednesday |
| 2035 | May 31 | Thursday |
Related Days
References
Tulsa Resumes Excavation to Find ‘Original 18’ Site of 1921 Race Massacre Victims.
