The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, explained in the video, LINK was a reaction from the white community to the successes of the Black community in Tulsa. Explain in your own words what occurred.
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a tragic event in which a prosperous black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as Greenwood, was violently attacked by the white community. The underlying cause of the massacre was racial tension and resentment from some white residents who were threatened by the economic and social successes of their black counterparts.
In Greenwood, African Americans had managed to build a thriving community with successful businesses, churches, schools, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, this prosperity seemed to stir up animosity among some white residents who held prejudiced views and felt threatened by the progress the black community was making.
On May 31, 1921, the catalyst of the massacre occurred when an African American man named Rowland was falsely accused of assaulting a white woman in an elevator. The accusation quickly spread, and a white mob gathered at the courthouse, demanding that Rowland be handed over to them for vigilante justice. A group of armed black men from Greenwood also arrived at the courthouse to protect Rowland.
The confrontation escalated into an armed conflict, leading to the white mob growing larger and more violent. As the mob made its way into the predominantly black neighborhood, chaos ensued. Homes and businesses were looted, burned, and destroyed, leaving the once vibrant Greenwood district in ruins.
The state and local authorities, rather than protecting the black community, either turned a blind eye or actively participated in the violence. Martial law was declared, and National Guard troops were deployed, but instead of quelling the mob, they joined in attacking the black community. Many innocent black residents were killed, while others were arrested and detained. Thousands were left homeless and displaced as their homes were reduced to ashes.
The Tulsa Race Massacre is a horrifying example of how racial tensions, fueled by envy and racism, erupted into a devastating act of violence and destruction. The Black community in Tulsa suffered immense loss, and the effects of the massacre still resonate to this day. It serves as a harsh reminder of the deep scars of racial injustice and the importance of working towards a more equitable society.