Introduction
The Greenwood Massacre, a tragic event in 1921, devastated one of the wealthiest Black communities in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recent efforts are being made to uncover the full extent of this atrocity.
The Greenwood District
Greenwood, often referred to as “Negro Wall Street,” was a thriving Black community in Tulsa, with numerous businesses, professional offices, and amenities such as a hospital and theater.
Incident Trigger
The massacre began after an alleged assault involving a Black teenager and a white female elevator operator. Following sensationalist reports in local newspapers, a white mob demanded the teenager’s lynching.
Escalation to Violence
Black World War I veterans intervened to protect the teenager, leading to a gunfight. The white mob then attacked Greenwood, burning buildings and shooting residents.
Destruction and Loss
The attack included machine-gun fire from a grain elevator and turpentine bombs dropped from planes. The violence resulted in the destruction of 36 square blocks, including homes, businesses, and churches.
Casualties and Aftermath
Estimates of the dead range between 150 and 300. Approximately 10,000 Black residents were left homeless, and 6,000 were detained in internment camps. No arrests were made, and insurance claims by victims were denied.
Ongoing Investigation
Tulsa’s current mayor, GT Bynum, has initiated an investigation to locate mass graves. Ground-penetrating radar has identified anomalies consistent with burial sites. Excavations led by forensic anthropologist Phoebe Stubblefield are planned.
Challenges and Goals
The investigation faces challenges, such as distinguishing massacre victims from those who died in the same period due to the Spanish Flu. Efforts will include examining signs of violence and attempting to match DNA with living descendants.
Legacy and Commemoration
Tulsa remains segregated, with significant racial disparities. The test excavation aims to uncover the truth and find a way to honor the unidentified victims, similar to memorials like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
For further information, watch the full report on YouTube.
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