Tulsa, Oklahoma experienced one of its darkest moments in 1921 - the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre. Post World War I, Tulsa was home to the Greenwood District, one of America's wealthiest African-American neighbourhoods, earning it the nickname “Black Wall Street.”
The tragic chain of events started on May 30, 1921, when Dick Rowland, a young African-American, was in the Drexel Building's elevator with Sarah Page. Conflicting accounts emerged about an incident between them, and as the narrative spread throughout Tulsa's white community, it grew increasingly sensationalized.
On May 31, following Rowland's arrest and a provocative article in the Tulsa Tribune, tensions escalated. Armed groups from both the black and white communities converged around the courthouse, leading to confrontations. Gunfire broke out, pushing the black community to retreat towards Greenwood Avenue.
By June 1, 1921, a mob of white residents had descended upon Black Tulsa, committing acts of arson and looting. The Governor instituted martial law, and the National Guard was deployed. They quelled the fires and safeguarded the African-American residents from vigilantes, detaining over 6,000 African-American Tulsans. Some were held in facilities like the Convention Hall and Fairgrounds for up to eight days.
The aftermath was catastrophic. A staggering 35 blocks of the city were left in ruins, and over 800 individuals were injured. While initial reports stated 36 fatalities, the Tulsa Race Massacre Commission, in 2001, revealed that the death toll was likely closer to 300.
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