On May 31, 1921, the Destruction of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Began

Mary Jones Parrish and Florence Parrish, mother and daughter, fled their home forever as Black Wall Street went up in flames.

Mary Jones Parrish and Florence Mary Parrish, my great grandmother and grandmother, who survived the night of May 31, 1921, and the day of June 1. Their tenacity secured my existence today.

One hundred four years ago today, the winds of war came to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Great War (World War I) had ended almost three years earlier, but it was fresh in the consciousness of the people of the oil rich aptly named Magic City. Peace had come to Europe, but Tulsa’s most defining battle lay before it.

Mary Parrish first arrived in Tulsa in 1918 to visit her brother. Later, she would write retrospectively about her impression of the city at that time in light of the events she witnessed as a resident of Greenwood, in Tulsa, in 1921.

During my few months stay in Tulsa, my eyes feasted on the progressive sight they beheld among our group. Every face seemed to wear a happy smile. This peace and happiness was destined to change to a deep and quiet sorrow, for it was at this time that the hand of the World War was felt most keenly here. Our Uncle Sam summoned 250 Black boys at one time. These boys did not hesitate, but bravely heeded the call, many never to return to their then beloved Tulsa. These brave boys gave their lives to make the world safe for democracy. Is it safe? Let Tulsa, the city that suffered thousands of its innocent, law-abiding citizens…