President Joe Biden declared a day of remembrance Sunday 100 years after the massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“I call upon the people of the United States to commemorate the tremendous loss of life and security that occurred over those 2 days in 1921, to celebrate the bravery and resilience of those who survived and sought to rebuild their lives again, and commit together to eradicate systemic racism and help to rebuild communities and lives that have been destroyed by it,” he said in a proclamation.
In 1921, a white mob descended upon the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, nicknamed “Black Wall Street,” and killed hundreds while burning buildings and businesses to the ground. For years, this episode of extreme racial violence was written out of history books and its anniversary unmarked by political leaders.
“The federal government must reckon with and acknowledge the role that it has played in stripping wealth and opportunity from Black communities,” Biden wrote in his statement, pledging future investment in Black communities and businesses.
Biden is planning a visit to Tulsa on Tuesday, where he will meet with surviving members of the community and deliver remarks.
Read Biden’s full proclamation here.
The U.S. dodged a bullet. I shudder to think what might have been. But, Biden is the right man for these times.
A message that will resonate with about 51% of the country. The rest will have another beer.
I totally agree. I was pretty tepid on Biden during the campaign, but he has seized the moment in a very skillful way with almost pitch perfect messaging. P.S. Jen Psaki is excellent.
Every Republican: ”That was 100 years ago – we can’t make reparations to people who are all dead!”
The Three Known Survivors: (Polite cough)
Every Republican: ”Biden’s gonna ban beef! People who wear masks are Nazis!! SOCIALISM!!!”
Well done! I recall AG Garland’s first public visit as AG was also to Tulsa.
I’m not a historian or an expert on Cuba, but does what happened in the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa in 1921 compare in any way to what happened to the Cuban exiles under Fidel Castro? Any similarities beyond property and possessions being destroyed or seized? I’d be interested in informed thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance!