The 1921 Tulsa Massacre: History of Mob Attacks, Racism, and Arson

The tragic events of the Tulsa race massacre unfolded on May 31 and June 1, 1921, as marauding bands of white individuals, some deputized and armed by local authorities, launched a vicious assault on the Black community in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, setting ablaze homes and businesses. This devastating episode, often referred to as the Tulsa race riot or the Black Wall Street massacre, stands as one of the most appalling instances of racial violence in American history and a dark chapter in the nation's past.

The Greenwood District, dubbed "Black Wall Street" due to its prosperity, bore the brunt of the brutality, with more than 35 square blocks engulfed in flames by the rampaging mob. The affluent enclave, thriving with Black-owned enterprises, was reduced to smoldering ruins.

The aftermath of the massacre was marked by a staggering toll of human suffering. Over 800 individuals required medical attention, while approximately 6,000 Black residents were detained in makeshift facilities, enduring harrowing conditions for days on end.

Official records paint a grim picture of the casualties, with conflicting figures highlighting the chaos and confusion surrounding the tragedy. The Oklahoma Bureau of Vital Statistics documented 36 fatalities, yet subsequent investigations have uncovered evidence of at least 39 deaths, with estimates suggesting the toll could range from 75 to 300 lives lost.