Rep. Ritchie Torres introduces new resolution to make June 1 “Black Wall Street Day”

On the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Rep. Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced a new resolution to make June 1st “Black Wall Street Day.”

About Black Wall Street Day

The resolution seeks to honor the lives lost in the destruction of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They area was once known as “Black Wall Street,” for its vibrant and affluent Black community.

“Black Wall St. was a promised land for African Americans in search of a better life amid the broken promise of Reconstruction. 100 years ago, that land was the scene of the worst act of racial terrorism. Today, I am proud to introduce a resolution to recognize June 1st as “Black Wall St. Day,” said Rep. Torres in a released statement.

The introduction of the resolution comes as part of the ongoing national conversation around how to properly honor the victims of the massacre and bring justice to survivors.

About Tulsa Race Massacre

The Tulsa Race Massacre has been seldomly talked about. For one hundred years the true events of that day have not been taught in schools. Much of the American population hasn’t heard of it.

Why It Matters

“Until recently most Americans had never heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre because it was never taught in our public school system,”’ said Rep.  Torres.  “In order to understand where we are, we must understand how we arrived at a society that is as racially divided and unequal.”

The Tulsa Race Massacre historically has been referred to as the Tulsa Race Riot. This was to give the false impression that it was not an act of terrorism, but simply an altercation.

“I am here to tell the truth about what happened that day as part of our national reckoning with race in America. I am proud to work with state and local officials to honor the lives lost 100 years ago in this tragic, racist massacre,” said Rep. Torres.

You can read the full resolution on Black Wall Street Day here.