In the early 20th century, in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a remarkable community known as Greenwood flourished. It was home to what became famously known as Black Wall Street, an economic powerhouse where Black entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and professionals thrived in an era of segregation. However, in one of the darkest chapters of American history, this thriving district was obliterated in a violent act of racial terrorism. The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 left hundreds dead, thousands homeless, and an entire community in ruins.
The Rise of Black Wall Street
After the Civil War, formerly enslaved Black Americans sought opportunities to build wealth and stability. Oklahoma, before statehood in 1907, was considered a land of opportunity. Many Black settlers arrived with the hope of establishing self-sustaining communities free from oppression. Greenwood, founded in 1906 by O.W. Gurley, a Black landowner and entrepreneur, quickly became a beacon of Black excellence and economic success.
Greenwood Avenue bustled with Black-owned businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, hospitals, banks, and schools. The community had a thriving real estate market, and its residents lived in well-built homes. In fact, it was said that the dollar circulated within Greenwood over 30 times before leaving, showcasing a model of financial self-sufficiency. This economic success, however, fueled resentment among white residents of Tulsa, many of whom struggled financially during the post-World War I economic downturn.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
On May 30, 1921, a 19-year-old Black shoe shiner named Dick Rowland entered an elevator in the Drexel Building, where he encountered Sarah Page, a 17-year-old white elevator operator. What exactly transpired between them remains unclear, but the most accepted account suggests that Rowland may have accidentally stepped on Page’s foot, causing her to scream. A white store clerk allegedly overheard the commotion and assumed an assault had occurred. By the next day, the Tulsa Tribune published an inflammatory article titled Nab Negro for Attacking Girl in Elevator, inciting racial tensions.
Fueled by this sensationalized report, an angry white mob gathered outside the courthouse demanding Rowland’s lynching. In response, a group of Black men, many of them World War I veterans, arrived to protect Rowland, fearing the all-too-common fate of lynchings across America. Tensions erupted, and a gunfight broke out. The outnumbered Black men retreated to Greenwood, but the violence escalated overnight into full-scale racial warfare.
The Massacre: Destruction of a Thriving Community
On June 1, 1921, white mobs—many deputized and armed by local law enforcement—descended upon Greenwood. Over the next 24 hours, they looted, burned, and destroyed the once-thriving Black district. Airplanes were reportedly used to drop firebombs on buildings, making it one of the first aerial bombings on U.S. soil. Witnesses recalled seeing Black men, women, and children shot in the streets, homes set ablaze with families inside, and businesses ransacked. The Oklahoma National Guard eventually intervened, but not to protect Black citizens. Instead, they arrested thousands of Black residents and placed them in internment camps.
By the time the massacre ended, over 35 city blocks lay in ashes. An estimated 300 Black people were killed, though the true number remains unknown. More than 10,000 residents were left homeless, and the financial loss was estimated at over $200 million in today’s currency. Yet, no white individuals were held accountable, and the massacre was largely omitted from history books for decades.
The Aftermath: Silence, Suppression, and Lasting Impact
For years, survivors and their descendants faced systemic discrimination that prevented them from rebuilding. Insurance claims for damages were denied under clauses that exempted riot-related incidents. Some families had deeds to their properties but were still barred from rebuilding due to discriminatory local policies. The psychological trauma of the massacre haunted survivors, and many lived in poverty, unable to recover their lost generational wealth.
The massacre created an economic ripple effect that devastated Black wealth for generations. The destruction of businesses meant fewer opportunities for employment and economic growth within the community. Greenwood had been a model of self-sufficiency, but with its erasure, Black Americans across the country lost an example of what was possible. Instead of prosperity, systemic barriers such as redlining, predatory lending, and economic disenfranchisement followed.
Despite this, the resilience of Black Tulsans persisted. Some families managed to rebuild, though Greenwood never fully regained its former prosperity. For generations, many Black Americans were unaware of the massacre, as it was omitted from mainstream education. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that historians and activists began uncovering and sharing the truth.
Why This Matters Today: A Lesson for America
The Tulsa Race Massacre is not just Black history; it is American history. It reveals the consequences of racial violence, economic jealousy, and the systemic oppression that followed. But beyond the tragedy, it offers profound lessons for today’s society.
Economic Empowerment – Black Wall Street was a testament to the power of economic self-sufficiency. The principles that made Greenwood successful—entrepreneurship, community support, and wealth circulation—can be applied today to rebuild economic stability in Black communities across America.
Historical Truth and Accountability – The massacre was denied and covered up for decades. Acknowledging past injustices is the first step toward justice. In recent years, efforts have been made to unearth mass graves, provide reparations to descendants, and incorporate the massacre into school curriculums.
Racial Reconciliation – The Tulsa Massacre is a painful reminder of how racial resentment and economic disparity can escalate into violence. Addressing racial wealth gaps, promoting equity in housing and business, and fostering dialogue are necessary to prevent history from repeating itself.
The Power of Resilience – Despite the destruction, the spirit of Black Wall Street lives on. The massacre did not erase the ambition and brilliance of Black entrepreneurs. Today, movements advocating for Black-owned businesses, economic justice, and reparations carry the legacy of Greenwood forward.
A Call to Action
The tragedy of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street is not just a chapter in history—it is a lesson and a warning. It challenges us to acknowledge uncomfortable truths, work towards economic justice, and ensure that future generations do not inherit the scars of unresolved racial trauma.
America stands at a crossroads: we can either continue to bury the past or learn from it. Greenwood’s legacy teaches us that true progress requires more than just remembering—it demands action. It is time to rebuild the spirit of Black Wall Street, not just in Tulsa, but across the nation, by supporting Black entrepreneurship, advocating for reparations, and fostering true racial equality.
The story of Black Wall Street is one of triumph and tragedy, but more importantly, it is a call to reclaim economic and social justice. In honoring those who perished in Tulsa, we must commit to ensuring that the prosperity they built is not lost to history, but rather, reignited for future generations.
I’m Larry W. Robinson, acclaimed author, visionary founder of Gospel Singing on the Spot and The Gospel Music Honors, and host of the internationally syndicated Larry W. Robinson Show. My mission is to empower believers to build their personal economies while embracing spiritual and financial freedom. For faith-filled insights, inspirational interviews, and impactful teachings, visit http://www.larrywrobinson.com/.
