DOJ Launches Historic Review of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Department of Justice building exterior with window and plants.

The Department of Justice launches an unprecedented review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, aiming to shed light on a dark chapter of American history.

At a Glance

  • First-ever federal probe into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  • Review conducted under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act
  • Up to 300 Black deaths and destruction of over 1,200 properties in Greenwood
  • Public report expected by the end of the year
  • No expectation of prosecuting living individuals due to time passed

DOJ Takes Historic Step in Addressing Tulsa Race Massacre

In a groundbreaking move, the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This tragic event, which devastated the thriving Black community of Greenwood, Oklahoma, has long been a painful reminder of America’s history of racial violence. The review, conducted by the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, marks the first time federal authorities have launched such an investigation into this dark chapter of American history.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke emphasized that while there is “no expectation” of prosecuting living individuals due to the significant time that has passed, the investigation aims to provide a fresh understanding of the events. The review will consider both historical and contemporary civil rights perspectives, with a public report detailing the DOJ’s findings expected by the end of the year.

The Devastating Impact of the Massacre

The Tulsa Race Massacre resulted in the deaths of up to 300 Black residents and the destruction of over 1,200 properties in Greenwood, an area known as “Black Wall Street” due to its economic prosperity. Thousands were forced into internment camps, and the thriving community was reduced to ashes. This act of racial violence has left a lasting scar on American history and has long been a subject of calls for justice and reparations.

Challenges and Expectations

The DOJ’s investigation faces significant challenges, including expired statutes of limitations and the lack of federal hate crime laws at the time of the massacre. However, by examining documents, eyewitness accounts, and scholarly materials, the department hopes to shed new light on this devastating chapter of our past. Since 2008, the DOJ has opened 137 cases for review under the Emmett Till Act, resolving 125 of them.

Descendants of survivors have welcomed the investigation, criticizing city and state leaders for insufficient compensation efforts. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently dismissed a lawsuit by survivors, further reducing hopes for financial reparations. Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, who requested the DOJ investigation, sees this as a crucial step towards acknowledging and understanding this tragic event in American history.

A Commitment to Confronting the Past

This unprecedented federal probe into the Tulsa Race Massacre demonstrates our government’s commitment to confronting our nation’s past injustices. While it may not lead to prosecutions, it represents a significant step towards acknowledging and understanding this tragic event. As the investigation progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing historical wrongs and working towards a more just and equitable society for all Americans.

Sources:

  1. Justice Department will launch civil rights review into 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  2. Justice Department launches first federal review of 1921 Tulsa race massacre
  3. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke Delivers Remarks at the Civil Rights Division’s Cold Case Convening
  4. Justice Department will launch civil rights review into 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  5. Justice Department Launches First Federal Review of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
  6. Justice Department to Analyze the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

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