This Happened — May 31: A Massacre In Tulsa
On this day in 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, began in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a prosperous African American community.
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What led to the Tulsa Race Massacre?
The Tulsa Race Massacre was sparked by a false accusation of a Black man assaulting a white woman in an elevator. The incident led to the arrest and attempted lynching of the man, which in turn led to violence between white mobs and Black residents.
How many people died in the Tulsa Race Massacre?
The exact number of fatalities is unknown, but it is estimated that between 100 and 300 Black residents were killed, and many more were injured or left homeless.
What's the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre?
Efforts are being made to address the lasting impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre, including reparations for survivors and their descendants, increased education and awareness about the event, and efforts to rebuild and revitalize the Greenwood district.
