
By Caleb Gayle, Who HQ, Tim Foley (Illustrator)
Part of the What Was . . . ? series
Discover the tragic fall of Tulsa's thriving Black community in 1921.
Explore the Greenwood District of Tulsa, a vibrant Black community thriving with businesses and professionals. In 1921, this prosperity was shattered by a violent racist mob, leaving devastation in its wake. Uncover the events that led to this dark chapter in American history and the resilience of those who lived through it. What sparked such destruction, and how did it change the course of a community's future? This gripping account invites young readers to reflect on the past and its enduring impact.
Learn how envy and racism led to the tragic destruction of the thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in this new Who HQ for young readers. Before May 31, 1921, the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a thriving neighborhood of 10,000 Black residents. There, Black families found success and community. They ran their own businesses, including barbershops, clothing stores, jewelers, restaurants, movie theatres, and more. There also were Black doctors, dentists, and lawyers to serve the neighborhood. Then, in one weekend, all of this was lost. A racist mob tore through the streets, burning everything to the ground and killing scores of innocent residents. Learn about what led to one of the worst moments of racial violence in America’s history in this nonfiction book for young readers.
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Top contributors: Literary Leslie