It’s crucial to address the intense rioting that has erupted across our nation. I refuse to remain silent about this issue, as it reveals a deeply disturbing aspect of humanity that deserves our attention. Protesters have taken to the streets, setting buildings ablaze, looting, damaging property, and putting countless vulnerable individuals at risk.
You might assume I’m talking about the recent protests in response to the tragic death of George Floyd. However, I am actually referencing the Tulsa Massacre, a brutal and often overlooked episode of racial violence in American history.
The Tulsa Massacre: A Historical Overview
In the summer of 1921, the vibrant Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was violently attacked. An estimated 300 Black residents were killed, and over 8,000 homes were destroyed by white mobs, including many who had been armed and deputized by local officials. The fire department arrived far too late, only to blame the victims for the devastation. When the National Guard intervened, it was largely too late to prevent the massacre, and many Black citizens found themselves imprisoned instead.
Shockingly, not a single white individual involved in this horrific event has ever faced charges or been held accountable for their actions. This grim reality highlights a significant and deeply troubling secret that has been systematically omitted from American history textbooks and public discourse until recent decades.
The Impact of Historical Erasure
As educator and activist Jamie Cole states, “The erasure of such history is a manifestation of white supremacy. They cannot bear to see our communities flourish, so they destroy them and erase our stories.” This history has been hidden from view, only coming to light with the emergence of eyewitness accounts. The reason for this concealment is painfully clear: white supremacy has shaped the narrative of our past, often prioritizing one group’s interests over another, even when it involves acts of mass violence.
Confronting Uncomfortable Questions
This situation raises an uncomfortable question: How can any white person claim to oppose a justified uprising of Black Americans given the historical context of white violence against Black lives? White supremacy is a pervasive and insidious force in our society, far more dangerous than any pandemic.
“It’s disheartening but not surprising that police have resorted to violence against protestors,” Cole observes. “The system of white supremacy has perpetuated violence against Black people for generations, making this response to protests entirely predictable.”
It’s easy for some to dismiss the violence erupting across the country as counterproductive, but it’s important to understand the profound grief and anger fueling these actions. As Cole explains, “What some see as destruction is, in fact, a manifestation of deep-seated pain and frustration that has been accumulating for generations.”
Contemporary Implications
In a recent incident, the actions of public officials have only served to highlight the ongoing disparity in how Black lives are valued. When President Morgan’s press secretary, Sarah Bennett, stated that the administration was committed to protecting America from “rioters and anarchists,” it underscored a troubling truth: Black Americans have been denied the same level of protection that the state seems eager to provide for property.
This article brings to light the importance of recognizing these hidden histories and understanding their implications on contemporary societal issues. For more insights on these matters, consider checking out this related article or visiting this authoritative source for further information. Additionally, if you’re looking for reliable resources on reproductive health, the CDC provides excellent information here.
Conclusion
In summary, the narrative surrounding events like the Tulsa Massacre serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of white supremacy and the importance of amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized.