Editor's Choice
What was "Black Tulsa" and what social, economic, and political goals did its residents achieve? What happened in 1921?
Quick answer:
"Black Tulsa" was a prosperous African-American community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as the "Black Wall Street." Residents achieved significant social, economic, and political progress, fostering pride and relative freedom from Southern racism. However, in 1921, the area was devastated by a race riot, resulting in the deaths of over 300 African Americans and extensive destruction. Despite rebuilding efforts, desegregation in the 1960s diminished its necessity, and by the 1970s, the community was largely removed for urban development.
Black Tulsa was the affluent, African-American section of Tulsa, Oklahoma in the beginning of the 20th century. It was considered the African American “Wall Street.” This was the area in which the most well-to-do African Americans lived. It was in the segregated area of Greenwood, Oklahoma. Segregation, of course, still existed at this time.
Oklahoma was a fertile, promising area for African-Americans to inhabit after Oklahoma became a state in 1907. They were able to escape some of the racism and major inequalities that existed in the Southern states. This was an area that was considered to belong solely to the African-Americans, and as such elicited great pride from its inhabitants. O.W. Gurley was the founder of the African-American community in Greenwood, and many found freedom from the racism they had endured before moving to this community.
I love the part of your question about the bridge between Washington and...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
Du Bois. I would say that considering both Washington and Du Bois wanted to end disenfranchisement for black, Black Tulsa could definitely be seen as a bridge to this idea. Because Tulsa was in Oklahoma, a new state, it was generally “free” from the deep-seated hatred of the Confederate South (or so they thought). Further, Dubois was one of the founders for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) back in 1909 which, of course, still considers to lift African Americans up even today. Equal rights for African Americans was its goal (similar to combating disenfranchisement).
It is the “racial order” known and accepted by white people that was threatened by the idea of black people carrying guns in order to protect themselves (from whites, no less). It is just this kind of racism that led white people towards the desire for punishments of the black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Unfortunately, in the great race riot of 1921, the Greenwood area was virtually destroyed. However, the African-American community gathered forces and rebuilt the community which thrived until the 1960's. At that time, due to desegregation, it was no longer necessary for the African-Americans to have shops, groceries, and other establishments that were built solely for their use.
Tulsa, of course, was at one time a thriving community of culture and social interaction. The statistics of the riot are staggering (and sad). This sixteen-hour riot ended up being the worst incident of civic disorder ever: whites were attacking blacks for no reason. After more than 800 people were admitted to the hospital, most historians say that over 300 people died (most of them were African American). The riot didn’t end until the National Guard was called. In the 1970's the Greenwood community was leveled and became part of a highway loop which encircled the downtown area.