NewsLocal News

Actions

President Biden visits Tulsa for Race Massacre centennial

Posted at 12:40 PM, May 25, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-01 20:15:45-04

TULSA, Okla. — President Joe Biden came to Tulsa to commemorate the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The White House said Biden is going to visit Tulsa on June 1. He is expected to meet with survivors of the massacre. May 31 and June 1, 2021, mark 100 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre in the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street. Events took place over the long weekend to commemorate the tragedy and bring the community together.

Members of a congressional subcommittee recently held a hearing discussing testimonies from several 1921 Tulsa race massacre survivors as the centennial of the event approaches. One of the survivors who testified is 107-year-old Viola "Mother" Fletcher, the oldest known living massacre survivor today, and is one of several survivors that hosted the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival.

READ MORE: Tulsa race massacre survivors testify before congressional subcommittee

The chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus expressed his appreciation in response to the news that Biden is coming to Tulsa.

“I am appreciative of President Biden’s support of the historic Greenwood District, and I appreciate his understanding of the significance of the centennial commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre,” said Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Tulsa. “100 years ago, racism and hatred took away lives and generational wealth from Black Oklahomans. As Americans, we can no longer allow ourselves to gloss over the uncomfortable parts of our history, but instead, we must confront them. Having a U.S. President come and participate in the centennial is a great step in that direction, especially one like President Biden who has shown a willingness to have the hard conversations we so desperately need to have.”

Governor Kevin Stitt and First Lady Sarah Stitt met with Biden upon his arrival at Tulsa International Airport.

“I was honored to welcome President Biden to Oklahoma as he visits Tulsa to commemorate the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre,” said Governor Stitt. “Our conversation was brief, but productive. While President Biden and I have our policy disagreements, I am committed to working with his administration where possible to make Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”


Trending Stories:


Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --