“Tulsa race massacre. Part of the Nadir of American race relations
Homes and businesses burned in Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma,
Deaths
150–200 black and 50 white Injured 800+183 serious injuries
exact number unknownPerpetratorsWhite American mob and the United States National Guard“
There were no convictions for any of the charges related to violence. There were decades of silence about the terror, violence, and losses of this event. The riot was largely omitted from local, state, and national histories: “The Tulsa race riot of 1921 was rarely mentioned in history books, classrooms or even in private. Blacks and whites alike grew into middle age unaware of what had taken place.”
I was one of those who never knew. I was born in Oklahoma in 1943 and lived there until I was fifteen. I don’t think my parents knew either. Recently, this episode was finally included in textbooks. Finally, I learned about it.
And tomorrow, POTUS is going to hold an indoor campaign rally in Tulsa in the middle of an increase of COVID cases there. Already there are people lined up outside the BOK (Bank of Oklahoma, 20,000 seats) arena hoping to get inside.
I can see that the weather in Tulsa tomorrow is predicted to be typical mid-June weather: 85º, humid, thunderstorms.
I remember Oklahoma thunderstorms. They often turned into tornadoes. Neighbors had storm cellars out in their backyards.
These lined-up folks don’t seem to be worried about weather or COVID. One person in the queue said to a reporter that “God will protect his people.”
Will God intervene and make sure no one will be struck by lightning or contract the virus in the crowded arena?
Which, exactly, are “his people”?
All, I’m pretty sure.
The ones who have been sick and dying from Covid these past months. George Floyd. . And, yes, Donald J. Trump.
Whatever deity you claim, I feel certain that deity does not play favorites and is not in the business of “liking”some people more than others.
Nevertheless, if you pray, tomorrow might be a good day to do it. For so many things.