On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Department of Justice released a pivotal report on the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. This comprehensive document examines one of the darkest chapters in American history—when a white mob systematically destroyed Greenwood, a thriving Black community known as Black Wall Street.
Between May 31 and June 1, 1921, hundreds of Black residents were murdered, homes and businesses were burned to the ground, and personal property was looted. Survivors were left with nothing—no homes, no financial resources, and no justice. In the aftermath, the City of Tulsa actively resisted meaningful recovery efforts, leaving victims to fend for themselves. Court efforts to hold perpetrators accountable failed at every turn.
At the time, Oklahoma was seen by many Black leaders as a “promised land” for Black Americans, offering opportunities and a sense of freedom. The territory boasted over 50 all-Black towns—more than any other state or territory in the country. Many Black Tulsans proudly identified with both their tribal affiliations and Greenwood’s vibrant community, a place that symbolized hope and self-sufficiency.
The immediate spark for the massacre was the arrest of Dick Rowland, a young Black man, on allegations that he assaulted Sarah Page, a white elevator operator. The Tulsa Tribune published an inflammatory article falsely portraying Page as a victim of a violent attack, inciting outrage among white residents.
Rumors of a so-called “Negro uprising” spread quickly after armed Black men arrived at the courthouse to protect Rowland from being lynched. In response, local authorities indiscriminately deputized up to 500 white men, many of whom were intoxicated. This group joined thousands of other white Tulsans in attacking Greenwood, systematically burning homes and businesses, and looting property.
An estimated 10,000 white Tulsans participated in the destruction of Greenwood. According to the report, groups of white men—some deputized by police—systematically invaded homes. They destroyed valuables, smashed furniture, and set fires to ensure total devastation.
The DOJ’s report underscores how today’s civil rights laws could have fundamentally changed the course of justice in 1921. Modern hate crime statutes and civil rights protections could have been used to prosecute public officials, police officers, and private citizens who violated the rights of massacre victims. However, in 1921, these legal avenues were either unavailable or ignored.
The Tulsa Race Massacre remains a stark reminder of the consequences of systemic racism and the importance of accountability. As we honor the legacy of Greenwood, we must also recommit ourselves to ensuring that history is not forgotten and that justice is pursued wherever injustice persists.
The DOJ’s report is not just a recounting of the past—it is a call to action to recognize the systems that failed and to build a future where communities like Greenwood are protected, celebrated, and empowered.