Tulsa Race Massacre: Greenwood District Destroyed

On May 31–June 1, 1921, white mobs attacked Greenwood, Tulsa's prosperous Black district known as 'Black Wall Street.' Over 300 Black residents were killed, 35 blocks burned to the ground, 1,256 homes destroyed, and more than 10,000 left homeless. The attack began after Dick Rowland, a Black shoe-shiner, was accused of assaulting white elevator operator Sarah Page. Police deputized white civilians who participated in the assault. Oklahoma National Guard units arrested Black residents rather than protecting them.