Tulsa prepares to remember Tulsa Race Massacre 100 years later
By Tabitha Beckman
From May 31 to June 1, 1921, the Greenwood District of Tulsa—known as Black Wall Street—was burned down by a white mob, and many of its residents were killed in what became known as the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Several events throughout Tulsa and beyond will commemorate the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Below is a short list of events, including a memorial run, dedication of historic landmarks, a candlelight vigil, a documentary, and a live television event.
Note: Covid-19 safety protocol will be in place for all events.
The Greenwood Joy Experience
The exhibition is a part of the Greenwood Art Project sponsored by the 1921 Race Massacre Commission and Bloomberg Philanthropies. The multimedia art exhibition hosting large-scale visual paintings, audio/visual, and animation all centered around the theme of joy for the African American in America. The exact location will be given when you purchase your ticket. Soft opening will be May 5. To see all dates and times, or to purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-greenwood-joy-experience-tickets-145480822055?aff=ebdssbeac.
1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commemoration
10 days of commemoration will pay homage to the martyrs of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and celebrate the resilience of the Greenwood spirit and the Black Wall Street mentality. 8 a.m. May 26 to 8 p.m. June 6. For a list of individual events, go to https://www.tulsa2021.org/calendar/2021/celebration.
John Hope Franklin National Symposium
To commemorate the centennial of the 1921 Race Massacre, celebrated authors, activists, educators and journalists will be assembled to discuss the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre and how to work toward the intentional journey of reconciliation. 9 a.m. May 26 to 7 p.m. May 29. Registration required. To register, go to https://www.jhfnationalsymposium.org/.
Dedication of Pathway to Hope
The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the "Pathway to Hope" Walking Path. The Pathway to Hope marks the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. 9:21 to 10:21 a.m. May 28, behind Driller’s Stadium in-between Greenwood and Elgin.
Dedication of Historic Landmarks
The official recognition of historically significant locations in Historic Greenwood. 9:21 to 10:21 a.m. May 28 at the corner of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Archer.
Remember + Rise
A nationally televised event to commemorate the centennial with key speakers, musicians and special guests. 6:21 to 11:21 p.m. May 31, ONEOK Field, 201 N Elgin Ave.
The Fire and the Forgotten Examines the Tulsa Race Massacre 100 Years Later
The documentary examines the deadly assault on the 100th anniversary of the crime in the context of other racial massacres and police killings. 9 p.m. May 31 on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org and the PBS Video app.
Candlelight Vigil
A solemn ceremony commemorating the start of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 10:30 to 11:30 p.m. May 31. The vigil will line the streets of Greenwood, Archer and Elgin. ONEOK Field Stadium will play music.
Black Wall Street Memorial Run
The first annual Black Wall Street Memorial Run is organized to recognize and remember the victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The course will run through the Historic Greenwood District. 9:21 a.m. to 10:21 p.m. June 5. For more information on Greenwood and the history of Black Wall Street, go to https://greenwoodculturalcenter.com/.
A multi-genre experience that uses music's power to unite and heal the greater Tulsa Community, while remembering the tragic massacre of 1921. Musical event is in partnership with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Dr. View and SymDesign. 9:21 a.m. to 10:21 p.m. June 5 at ONEOK Field, 201 N Elgin Ave. Tickets go on sale soon.