It is crucial for us to confront the disturbing reality of rioting in our society. I refuse to remain quiet about it, as it’s an appalling aspect of our history that demands recognition. Protesters have taken to the streets, igniting fires, looting, and endangering lives in the process.
You might assume I am referencing the current protests following the tragic death of George Floyd. However, I am actually referring to the Tulsa Massacre, one of the most brutal, yet often overlooked, incidents of racial violence in American history.
The Tulsa Massacre: A Historical Overview
In the summer of 1921, Black families in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, faced a horrific onslaught. Armed white supremacists, many of whom were deputized by local authorities, invaded Greenwood, looted businesses, set buildings ablaze, and killed hundreds of Black citizens without remorse.
Research from the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot indicates that around 11,000 Black residents lived in Tulsa at that time, primarily in Greenwood. Estimates suggest that up to 300 Black individuals lost their lives, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed. The fire department’s response was delayed, and they unjustly blamed the victims for its tardiness. By the time the National Guard arrived and implemented martial law, the massacre had nearly concluded, and they imprisoned around 6,000 Black individuals in makeshift detention centers.
To date, not a single white person involved in this atrocity has faced legal consequences. This grim reality highlights a significant and shameful chapter in our nation’s history, one that has been largely omitted from educational curricula until recent decades. Beyond the horrors of slavery, there is also the genocide inflicted upon Black Americans that has gone unpunished. This pattern of violence continued with the destruction of Rosewood, Florida, just two years later in 1923.
Confronting Historical Narratives
As Shea Thompson, an educator and community organizer, states, “White people have controlled the narratives in our history books for far too long.” Many, like Thompson, only learn about events like the Tulsa Massacre later in life, often due to the systemic erasure of such histories. It’s a responsibility for all of us to seek out these untold stories of resilience and survival.
This dark episode was deliberately hidden from public consciousness for years, only to resurface through eyewitness accounts. The reasons for this suppression are infuriatingly clear: white supremacy has long dictated the narratives surrounding our past and present, favoring one group while ignoring the suffering of another.
Understanding the Current Context
This leads us to an important question: How can any white person oppose the justified expressions of anger from Black Americans after generations of violence, oppression, and systemic racism? White supremacy is a far-reaching and pervasive issue, more damaging than any pandemic.
Regrettably, the recent violent reactions by law enforcement against protestors do not surprise those familiar with the systemic racism that fuels these actions. As Thompson notes, the police are part of a violent system built on the oppression of Black individuals. “I cannot judge how any Black person expresses their grief against a system that has continually sought to eradicate them,” she emphasizes.
It’s easy for white individuals to criticize the violence erupting across the country while overlooking the root causes of such despair. Engaging in self-reflection, acknowledging white privilege, and understanding the historical context behind the protests are necessary steps for meaningful dialogue.
Thompson articulates this sentiment well: “When people witness violence, they often label it as terrorism; I see it as a manifestation of profound grief and desperation.” The pain endured by Black Americans, like that of George Floyd as he pleaded for his life, must not be dismissed or minimized.
The Importance of Acknowledging Historical Injustices
In a recent press briefing, the former president’s spokesperson made an alarming statement regarding the protests, which only highlights the continued disregard for Black lives. The president’s attempt to project strength and order in the face of civil unrest starkly contrasts with the lack of protection offered to Black Americans throughout history.
It is crucial for us to understand that the narrative surrounding these protests is complex and deeply rooted in historical injustices. For more insights into the topic of home insemination and pregnancy, you can check out this helpful resource on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, for those interested in pregnancy and fertility preservation, this Cleveland Clinic podcast offers valuable information.
Conclusion
In summary, the Tulsa Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the racial violence that has plagued our history, a truth that must not be ignored. The pain, grief, and anger expressed by Black Americans today are rooted in centuries of oppression and must be acknowledged, rather than dismissed, by those who benefit from the status quo.