None of my mostly African American 11th graders had ever heard of the so-called Tulsa Race Riot, even though it stands as one of the most violent episodes of dispossession in U.S. history.

 

The term "race riot" does not adequately describe the events of May 31----June 1, 1921, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In fact, the term itself implies that both blacks and whites might be equally to blame for the lawlessness and violence. The historical record documents a sustained and murderous assault on black lives and property. Read more.

"Burning Tulsa: The Legacy of Black Dispossession" is the newest article in the Zinn Education Project's column called If We Knew Our History, posted on Common Dreams, GOOD magazine, and Huffington Post. You can help us reach a wider audience in three steps: