The Tulsa Race Massacre, also known as the Tulsa Race Riot, took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood was a thriving African American community known as "Black Wall Street" due to its economic success and cultural vibrancy.

The massacre was sparked by a racially charged incident in which a young Black man, Dick Rowland, was accused of assaulting a white woman in an elevator. False reports and sensationalized news coverage fueled tensions, leading to a mob of white residents assembling outside the courthouse where Rowland was being held.

The situation escalated into a chaotic and violent attack on the residents and businesses of Greenwood. White mobs looted and burned homes, businesses, and churches, resulting in the destruction of the prosperous community. It is estimated that hundreds of Black residents were killed, and thousands were left homeless.

The massacre was largely suppressed in the historical narrative for decades, with survivors and their descendants facing trauma and economic hardships as a result of the destruction. It was not until recent years that efforts to acknowledge and commemorate the tragedy have gained momentum, shining a light on this dark chapter in American history and its lasting impact on the Black community.