The Tulsa Massacre: When Resentment Met Black Entrepreneurship

Discover the untold story of the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 and the deep-seated resentment of black success. Learn how the Bible encourages us to celebrate success and build each other up.

The Tulsa Massacre: A Story of the Loser Class Versus Black Entrepreneurs

The Tulsa Massacre of 1921 is a dark chapter in American history. It was a time when a group of white rioters attacked the thriving black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The massacre was a manifestation of the deep-seated racial tensions that existed in America at the time. But it was also a story of the loser class versus black entrepreneurs.

Greenwood was a prosperous black neighborhood that was home to many successful businesses, including a number of black-owned banks, hotels, and restaurants. The neighborhood was known as Black Wall Street and was a source of pride for the black community.

But the success of Greenwood was a threat to the white establishment. Many white people resented the fact that black entrepreneurs were thriving while they struggled to make ends meet. They saw the success of Greenwood as a sign of the decline of white supremacy.

This resentment boiled over on May 31, 1921, when a group of white men attacked a black man who was accused of assaulting a white woman. The incident sparked a riot that lasted for two days. The white rioters marched into Greenwood, looting and burning businesses and homes. Black residents were attacked and killed. The National Guard was called in to restore order, but by then, the damage had been done.

The aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre was devastating. More than 10,000 black residents were left homeless, and 35 blocks of Greenwood were destroyed. The death toll is estimated to be between 100 and 300 people, most of them black.

The Tulsa Massacre was a tragedy that should never be forgotten. But it was also a story of the loser class versus black entrepreneurs. The white rioters were driven by a deep-seated resentment of black success. They saw the success of Greenwood as a threat to their own status and privilege.

This kind of resentment is not unique to the Tulsa Massacre. Throughout history, there have been many instances of the loser class attacking successful entrepreneurs. But the Bible has a different view of success.

In the Bible, success is not a threat to anyone. Instead, it is something to be celebrated. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” The Bible teaches that success is a gift from God and that we should use our gifts to glorify Him.

The story of the Tulsa Massacre is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in our fight against racism and prejudice. But it is also a reminder that we should celebrate the success of others, regardless of their race or background. As Christians, we should strive to build each other up, rather than tearing each other down.

FAQs

Q: What was the main cause of the Tulsa Massacre?
A: The Tulsa Massacre was caused by a deep-seated resentment of black success. White rioters saw the success of Greenwood as a threat to their own status and privilege.

Q: How many people were killed in the Tulsa Massacre?
A: The death toll is estimated to be between 100 and 300 people, most of them black.

Q: What was the aftermath of the Tulsa Massacre?
A: More than 10,000 black residents were left homeless, and 35 blocks of Greenwood were destroyed.

Q: What can we learn from the Tulsa Massacre?
A: The Tulsa Massacre is a reminder that we still have a long way to go in our fight against racism and prejudice. But it is also a reminder that we should celebrate the success of others, regardless of their race or background.

Q: What does the Bible say about success?
A: The Bible teaches that success is a gift from God and that we should use our gifts to glorify Him. Proverbs 22:29 says, “Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”