So last week Kickassfacts.com gave you part 1 of our hate crime series. Now we give you part two. The Tulsa Race Riot, Facts About US Hate Crimes Part 2.
1. The Tulsa Race Riot (Or Greenwood Massacre) Lasted A Little More Than 18 Hours
The TRR (Tulsa Race Riot) was during May 31st-June 1st of 1921. This is a major example of how bad hate crime gets. The TRR was a massacre when mobs of white people attacked those of color. Over the course of about eighteen hours, hundreds either died or had serious injuries. Thousands were left homeless and many businesses were completely demolished.
2. The TRR Was Named The Worst Incident Of Its Kind In American History
It started on Memorial Day weekend, after 19-year-old d*ck Rowland, a shoe-shiner, was accused of assaulting Sarah Page, 17-year-old elevator operator of the Drexel Building. At some point, while Rowland was in the elevator, Sarah screamed, and Rowland fled the scene. Rowland was taken into custody. It was concluded that he had sexually assaulted her. Rowland was later arrested. A mob of angry whites gathered outside the courthouse that Rowland was being held at.
3. Rumors Began To Spread That Rowland Was To Be Lynched
To be lynched means to be punished, most likely killed, without a trial. The rumors alarmed the black community. Some of the black community arrived at the courthouse armed, where some of the whites also had weapons. The whites outnumbered the blacks by hundreds. Shots were fired, and twelve people were killed, ten white and two black. When news spread, the violence exploded.
4. Whites Rampaged Through The Homes In Greenwood
Whites went through the neighborhood at night and killed men and women, looting and burning stores and homes. They also burned schools, churches, libraries, and even hospitals. The exact amount of deaths is unknown, but it was guessed to be up to 300.
5. Men Who Weren’t Even Part Of The National Guard Wore Their Uniforms
When people saw the National Guard, they thought that they were going to be protected, so they stayed inside their houses. However, their hope was short-lived, the “National Guard” entered their houses and helped kill people. The Authorities said that they wanted to gain control of Greenwood, not destroy it. They failed miserably on both accounts.
6. Multiple Eyewitness Said That They Were Attacked From Above
Eyewitnesses said that planes dropped burning turpentine balls on the buildings. At least a dozen planes flew over, circling the neighborhood. Witness also said that men walked up and down the street shooting the residents. Law enforcement said that the plane was given to help provide reconnaissance and protection against the “Negro uprising.” Richard S. Warner concluded in his submission to the Oklahoma Commission that contrary to the later reports by eyewitnesses, there was no evidence to support the attacks. Warner noted that while the targeted people reported the use of nitroglycerin, turpentine, and rifles from planes, many cited were anonymous sources or second-hand accounts. Beryl Ford, one of the preeminent historians of the disaster, said that there was no evidence of explosions, in her collection of photos. Danny Goble commended Warner on his efforts and supported his conclusions. State representative Don Ross, however, dissented from the evidence presented in a report concluding that bombs were in fact dropped. You can read Burt Colbert Franklin’s, an eyewitness, report for your self.
7. Despite Being At A Disadvantage, Black Tulsans Fought Valiantly To Protect Their Community (And They Had Every Right)
Unfortunately, in the end, the city’s African-American population were simply outnumbered. And the destruction was left to be cleaned up and fixed by the victims. The victims reached put to the officials for help, and they refused.
8. Red Cross Estimated That 1,256 Homes Had Been Burned
Only 215 houses weren’t burned, but they were looted. While the government spent lots of money on the Red Cross relief, they wouldn’t contribute to the rebuild of Greenwood. In fact, the government initially tried to stop the rebuild. The American Red Cross had remained in Tulsa following the massacre. A number of white Tulsans provided assistance to the homeless, no matter their color. However, it was the Red Cross that provided sustained relief.
9. Maurice Willows Recorded The Events For Red Cross
Red Cross helped pay for the burials, which they estimated probably 300. The Red Cross recorded over 1200 resident burned. 183 people were hospitalized, mostly for gun and fire wounds, 531 required first aid or surgical treatment with an estimated 10,000 people left homeless. 8 miscarriages were also reported, as a result of a tragedy. 19 died while in the hospital.
10. Despite The Fact They Caused So Much Damage, No One Paid For Their Crimes
Even though the whites destroyed property, killed hundreds, and (some of them) were military impostors, they were never put on trial. None of them were even arrested or anything.
