May 1921

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.

On May 31–June 1, 1921, a white mob aided by deputized officers burned 35 square blocks of Greenwood, the prosperous Black district of Tulsa known as 'Black Wall Street.' Up to 300 people were killed, 10,000 left homeless, and millions of dollars in property destroyed. Greenwood residents began rebuilding almost immediately, and film shot by Rev. Solomon Sir Jones from 1925–1928 shows a thriving district restored within a few years—an act of collective resilience with no government assistance.

A white mob destroys the prosperous "Black Wall Street" of Greenwood, killing hundreds.