Greenwood Rising

Exploring the Impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma and Beyond

A Black History Month collaboration between the Black Student Association and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion led to a group of students and the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion visiting Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 26th.

On the corner of N Greenwood Avenue and E Archer Street, Greenwood Rising is situated along the same thoroughfare that used to be the beating heart of "Black Wall Street" until Memorial Day Weekend 1921 when terrorists destroyed more than 1,400 homes and businesses in the Greenwood District in the deadliest act of domestic terrorism on American soil.

Greenwood Rising, which opened in 2021, is a new space that comprehensively addresses the tragic, unfortunate, and life-altering events that led to the death and destruction of a thriving Black town. The innovative space is full of interactive opportunities to learn about the people, as well as the place.

“To see artifacts, hear voices, and read history was immediately life changing. Walking through and sitting in the space allowed for some necessary reflection. I found myself experiencing deep emotion thinking about the ripple effect of all that was lost and all who lost their lives. We have to be willing to supplement our education and stay vigilant,” says Dr. Talia Carroll, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Student Reactions to Visiting the Museum

TRAKEL PINKSTON

The time I spent at the Greenwood Rising museum with the Black Students Association and the Office of DEI was both an educational and humbling experience. I learned so much about a subject that is often overlooked by many and it nearly brought me to tears. After leaving the museum, some friends and I visited a local coffee shop, where we met an older man who spent his entire life in Tulsa. He encouraged us to continue the conversation outside of the four walls of that building and continue to learn about what is being neglected in our history books.

Trakel Pinkston

BREAUNA SHAW

I loved the information given from the tour guide and the interactive learning aspect of our trip. One of my favorite experiences was seeing visitors sit in the seats of the portrayed Barber Shop during the presentation. This truly made it feel as if we were back in time, listening in on the conversations that would have been held in communal spaces like this. This trip was very emotional, so I applaud Greenwood Rising for ending the tour with prompted questions of our own commitment to this history and posting the written thoughts from visitors on a wall in real-time for all to see.

BreAuna Shaw

If you have not yet visited the museum, do not miss out on a rich learning opportunity. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion may be sponsoring a trip in the fall. Stay tuned for more information!