On May 31st, 1921, Dick Rowland, a black 19 year-old shoe shiner in Tulsa was arrested by Tulsa police because of an accusation by Sarah Page, a white elevator operator, of assault. By afternoon of the following day, Rowland’s home and the rest of the Greenwood neighborhood, one of the most affluent black districts in the US, was looted and destroyed.

All 10,000 Greenwood residents were either dead, hiding, or locked up in the aftermath with all of their homes and businesses destroyed by fire. A tenth of them were likely killed and placed in mass graves around Tulsa.

None of the white mobsters who carried out the massacre were ever held accountable, nor were any Greenwood residents or business owners compensated. To this day, not a cent of reparations has been paid to survivors or their descendants.

Click or tap here for an introductory reading

Daily Seminar Schedule

Day 1: The Places and People

From your device, explore the places throughout the city that have direct historical ties to the Massacre

Day 2: Timeline, and Violence

Become acquainted with important icons on both sides of the Massacre and learn about the events

Day 3: Sources

Browse, read, and respond to a dynamic list of primary and secondary sources, journaling as you go

Day 4: Videos and Vital Resources

Browse 3 hours of video as well as a graphic novel and three eye witness accounts

Day 5: Conclusion and Further Study

Check out dozens of items for future research and dialogue

Make sure to see the family and friend discussion questions at the end of each day's work.

By Dan Hahn | 918.207.8997 | dhahn@tsas.org | bit.ly/tulsa1921