In a young country struggling to reconcile its history of slavery, Tulsa, Oklahoma offered new prospects to Black families migrating west in search of a better life. The Greenwood neighborhood, and especially its business district, called “Black Wall Street,” became beautiful symbols of Black resilience, prosperity, and excellence. 

But on June 1, 1921, a couple days after a Black man rode an elevator with a white woman and gossip spread about what took place, an angry mob took to looting and setting Black homes and businesses on fire. They injured more than 800 people and took the lives of up to 300 individuals. 

This event came to be known as the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and today, the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park stands as a reminder of this history and a symbol of repair. 

Regarding the contributions of Black people to Oklahoma, a plaque reads, “We have built its cities and worked its farms, raised its children and fought in its wars. On its altars of freedom you will find our blood as well. For hundreds of years, beneath its endless skies, we have lived and worked, laughed and wept, loved and died.” 

Since before our nation’s founding, Black people have contributed their labor, their talents, their minds, and their lives to our country.   

Despite these contributions, slavery wasn’t completely outlawed until 1865. Following this, Jim Crow laws institutionalized prejudice. 

Yet through it all, hope has persisted. 

Juneteenth is a reminder that justice is slow, but it will eventually arrive. It’s a reminder that change takes time and a lot of effort, but the scale will eventually tip. It’s a reminder of the pain, but also of joy and optimism. 

This weekend, we remember the pain and focus on the joy. Let’s celebrate Juneteenth, knowing we still have a lot of work left to do. 

Check out the National Museum of African American History & Culture to learn more about this holiday. Happy Juneteenth! 

Sharing hope, 

Alicia Nuñez 
President & CEO 
Chicanos Por La Causa