The Unforgettable Day in Tulsa
The Story of 1921
Once upon a time, in 1921, in the bustling neighborhood of Greenwood, Tulsa – famously known as Black Wall Street – three siblings, Ada, Jamal, and Annie, lived with their family. Their parents owned a charming bakery and a lively tailor shop, both loved by the community. Music filled the air from a nearby jazz club, scrumptious aromas drifted from local restaurants, and the sight of elegantly dressed people was a common scene. But the three siblings cherished the strong sense of community and unity in their neighborhood the most.
Then came a day that changed their lives forever. An unfounded rumor against a young black man sparked a flame of anger in the neighboring white communities. The flame of fury turned into a destructive wildfire, and their peaceful Greenwood was under attack. Their homes and businesses were laid to waste, all based on a lie.
In the midst of chaos and destruction, Ada, Jamal, and Annie huddled together in their cellar, their hearts beating fast with fear and confusion. Once the violent storm passed, they emerged to see their beloved Greenwood in ruins.
Despite the heartache of their losses and the fear of the unknown, they were not alone for long. They found solace and shelter with Miss Johnson, a kind neighbor who also lost her home. She reminded them that they were survivors and that they could rebuild from the ashes, just like the ancestors in the stories their parents used to read to them.
So, from the rubble, they built again. They clung to each other and their community, learning the value of unity, resilience, and remembrance. Ada, Jamal, and Annie became symbols of Greenwood’s spirit, embodying the resilience that saw them through, the unity that held them together, and the remembrance that kept their history alive.
Words To Know
- Greenwood: A successful and wealthy black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.”
- Community: A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
- Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
- Unity: The state of being united or joined as a whole.
- Remembrance: The action of remembering something.
- Survivor: A person remaining alive after an event in which others have died.
- Ancestors: A person, typically one more remote than a grandparent, from whom one is descended.
- Destruction: The action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.
- Rumor: A currently circulating story or report of uncertain or doubtful truth.
- Fear: An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat.
- Chaos: Complete disorder and confusion.
Extended Learning
Reader’s Note: The story featuring Ada and her siblings is a work of fiction. However, it is important to know that it is based on real and historically significant events. The setting of the story, Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma (commonly known as the “Black Wall Street”), and the event of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre are true events that took place in American history. Although the characters and their individual experiences are products of the author’s imagination, they represent the lived experiences of many individuals who faced these tragic events. As you read, we encourage you to reflect on these historical events and the lessons they carry.
