CRYSTAL’S CHAMPIONS
100 Year Anniversary of the Destruction of
Black Wall Street
One hundred years ago, on May 31 and June 1, 1921, the area of Greenwood Tulsa was the site of a large-scale massacre. It stemmed from an accusation that a young Black man allegedly assaulted a white female elevator operator. This accusation would be the tipping point that led to the deaths of over 300 hundred citizens in Greenwood. The violence from the massacre resulted in $1.5 million in real estate assets destroyed and close to $1 million in personal property. This loss would be equivalent to $150 million in real estate and personal property over $200 million in current terms. In addition, generations of Black families lost their wealth as over 10,000 families had to flee the destruction and find a new home due to those 48 hours.
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