My Black Wall Street Experience - a short photo essay

In the poignant words of Dr. Cornell West, “In this historic moment of reckoning, let us remember those monumental events of barbarity that shape who and what we are…” I had the profound honor of being selected as one of the official photographers for the commemorative event in Tulsa, OK, at Greenwood. Witnessing this story on TV numerous times is one thing, but physically standing on the very streets where this atrocity occurred is another entirely. Being there, I heard the hidden truths that have yet to be told in our classrooms or depicted in the media. I am still processing the gravity of it all, but one thing is certain: I am forever enlightened to the true state of our Union.

The Black Wall Street tragedy, also known as the Tulsa Race Massacre, took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921. Greenwood, a thriving African American community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was known as Black Wall Street for its prosperous businesses and vibrant cultural scene. However, this flourishing neighborhood was decimated when a white mob, spurred by false allegations and fueled by deep-seated racism, attacked the area. The violence resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300 Black residents, the destruction of over 35 city blocks, and the displacement of thousands. The massacre obliterated one of the most prosperous Black communities in the United States, leaving a legacy of pain and resilience that continues to echo through history.

Anthony Brinkley "Tony B" a Tulsa native. - Poet

The Soul City Network Team -

100th Anniversary Tulsa Massacre Street Parade

As I stood on Greenwood’s streets, the weight of this history was palpable. Hearing firsthand accounts and uncovering stories still untold in classrooms or the media, I felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility to honor the memory of those lost and to share the truths of this dark chapter in our history. Though I am still processing the gravity of the experience, I am forever changed and enlightened to the true state of our Union.

Attorney Ben Crump

Mayor Johnny Ford - Tuskegee | Queen Mother Dr. Delois Blakely | Mayor Leila Davis

Mayor Leila Foley Davis - 1st African American Woman Mayor in the United States

Dr. Jana B. Woodhouse - First African American Woman to trade full time on the Wall Street floor in New York City.

"Cut the Check!!" Reparations - Declaration Chant by Queen Mother Blakely

Former Brady Mansion, now owned by retired NFL player

The former Brady Mansion, a historic landmark in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has found a new owner in retired NFL player Demario Davis. This iconic residence, once associated with the controversial figure W. Tate Brady, is now under the care of Davis, who is known for his dedication both on and off the field. Davis aims to honor the mansion's rich history while contributing to the ongoing revitalization of the Greenwood District, bringing a new chapter of hope and restoration to the area.

W. Tate Brady was a prominent figure in early Tulsa history, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and significant contributions to the city's development. However, his legacy is marred by his involvement with the Ku Klux Klan and his participation in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Brady's actions and affiliations have left a lasting stain on his reputation, making the preservation and reinterpretation of sites associated with him, like the Brady Mansion, crucial for acknowledging and learning from the past.

Former Brady Mansion, now owned by retired NFL player.

Center for Public Secrets - The Center for Public Secrets, nestled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, serves as a vital platform for shedding light on often overlooked histories, with a particularly poignant exhibit dedicated to the Tulsa Black Wall Street Massacre. This exhibit stands as a solemn testament to the resilience and tragedy of the Black community in Tulsa, commemorating the devastating events of 1921 while contextualizing their enduring impact on the city and its inhabitants.

Founded by independent journalists and historians Randy Hopkins and Marc Carlson, the Center aims to shed light on the darker and lesser-known aspects of local and national history, fostering a deeper understanding of our past and its impact on the present.

Through meticulously curated artifacts, multimedia presentations, and interactive experiences, the exhibit not only honors the lives lost and the thriving community destroyed but also confronts the systemic racism and violence that precipitated this dark chapter in American history. By amplifying the voices of survivors, descendants, and scholars, the Center fosters a deeper understanding of the massacre's complexities and ensures that its memory remains a catalyst for justice, healing, and reconciliation in Tulsa and beyond.

Center of Public Secrets - Gallery of documents detailing the calculated attack of the Black Wall Street citizens.

Matt McCoy - Soul City Network