Black Wall Street Massacre – Tulsa, 1921 📍Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma 📅Time: May 31 – June 1, 1921 Background. In the early 20th century, the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was home to one of the most prosperous African-American communities in the United States. Known as "Black Wall Street," it featured thriving businesses, including banks, hotels, movie theaters, restaurants, and medical practices — all Black-owned and operated. It was a symbol of Black economic power and self-reliance in an era of deep segregation and racial discrimination. The Incident On May 30, 1921, a young Black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white female elevator operator, Sarah Page. Though the accusation was likely false and charges were later dropped, the local white population became enraged. A mob gathered outside the courthouse, demanding Rowland be handed over. In response, a group of armed Black residents came to protect him, fearing a lynching. The Massacre Vio...
