American history books seldom make mention of the events that exploded in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a century ago. But a spotlight is finally being shone on the community once shattered by violence – and silence.
Ecumenical service remembers victims of Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921
The Greenwood neighborhood is seen in ruins after a mob passed through it during the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Okla. (CNS photo/American National Red Cross, Library of Congress, Handout via Reuters)
By Catholic News Service • Posted June 1, 2021
TULSA, Okla. (CNS) Ahead of a May 30 ecumenical prayer service to recall the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Bishop David A. Konderla said it was important “to pause and reflect on how such an unspeakable horror could take place so that we can avoid any such evil in our own day.”
“It is hard to believe that 100 years ago people could think and act in such a way. It is unthinkable. Still, it happened,” he said.
Tulsa Race Massacre: A century later, calls for justice remain
Tulsa is marking 100 years past a two-day attack on an all-black neighborhood by a white mob. The Tulsa Race Massacre left as many as 300 dead. Author: Natalie Swaby Updated: 7:20 PM PDT June 1, 2021
SEATTLE Tulsa is marking the 100th remembrance of a two-day attack on an all-Black neighborhood by a white mob. The 1921 massacre left as many as 300 people dead.
To this day, survivors are demanding reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the worst race massacres in American history.
One hundred years later and more than 1,500 miles away in Seattle, Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson feels a deep connection to the traumatic event.
Viola Fletcher, a survivor of the 1921 race massacre in Tulsa, Okla., attends a soil dedication ceremony May 31, 2021, at Stone Hill in Tulsa s Greenwood neighborhood to mark the 100th anniversary of the mass murder of Blacks. (CNS photo/Lawrence Bryant, Reuters)
TULSA, Okla. (CNS) Ahead of a May 30 ecumenical prayer service to recall the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Bishop David A. Konderla said it was important “to pause and reflect on how such an unspeakable horror could take place so that we can avoid any such evil in our own day.”
“It is hard to believe that 100 years ago people could think and act in such a way. It is unthinkable. Still, it happened,” he said.