Tulsa,Ok is the home to arguably one of history’s most important times. A time when African Americans could circulate money at least 10 times in the community before it goes outside of it. A time when unity and generational wealth wasnt a topic of discussion. It was a goal being achieved.
The Greenwood district, better known as “Black Wall Street” was a thriving wealthy black community. It was a prosperous black owned business district that had hundreds of businesses.
“They had a barbershop. Mr.Harris barshop… He cut everybody’s hair, he knew everybody.” said Cleo Harris. Black Wall Street had businesses of all kinds. All owned and operated by black people. There were banks, pharmacies and two movie theatres. None of these businesses stand in its original spot today.
“At first they said it was a riot, but it really turned out to be a massacre because of the way it was.” said Ina Mitchell. On June 1,1921 the district was destroyed by the hands of white supremacist. Many black owners not only lost their business but their homes, loved ones and for many their lives. This is the aftermath of young African American, Dick Rowland, being accused of assaulting Caucasian elevator operator ,Sarah Page, in a downtown Tulsa building without any evidence. There is still no answer on how many people died that day.
4th Quarter Media 