Monday, May 31, 2021

Negro Wall Street: Teaching what I hadn't learned

Today marks the beginning of the centennial *somberversary of the white terrorist attacks and mass slaughter of Black Americans in the Greenwood section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, a very prosperous Black section of the city. Booker T. Washington had previously nicknamed it "Negro Wall Street." In 1921, at least 300 Black people were killed in an hours-long assault, by air and land, at the hands of white people who couldn't nor wouldn't tolerate the idea of Black people...existing and prospering. Armed Black men and women resisted, fighting back in an attempt to save what rightfully was theirs--life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; their family and their property.

They were outnumbered, outgunned, and out-airplaned.

I did not learn about this in school.

TBH, I had been teaching for several years when I did learn about it.

I explained to my elementary students at the time, that I chose not to bemoan what I didn't learn growing up. Instead, as I read and learn, I'll share my learning with them so that they can never say that which I later had to admit as a seasoned educator.

Ever since, I've made what occurred in 1921, and in 1985 in Philadelphia (MOVE), part and parcel of the discussions on the history of this country and its treatment towards Black people.

This approach, the learning of what I wasn't taught and in-turn teaching it, will continue to be my approach, as I continue to read, watch, listen, and engage. 

By the way, consider reading, watching, listening and engaging with The Oklahoma Eagle. Based in Tulsa, it's the 10th oldest Black-owned newspaper in the country still in publication. They "are the last survivor of the original black-owned businesses still operating within the historic Black Wall Street footprint."

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