Tulsa Rising
This is the story of a city wrestling with its history and – maybe – forging a better future. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, Tulsa, Oklahoma, became the site of a brutal race massacre when a white mob destroyed the Black business district of Greenwood. Now, Tulsa is commemorating the massacre’s centennial. “Tulsa Rising” explores the painful, lasting legacy of this event, but also the hope rising within the city as a new generation begins to process and own the spirit of Black Wall Street. Hosted and produced by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas. Visit www.CSMonitor.com/tulsarising to learn more.
Update: Jerica Wortham on the transformative power of art
“The audacity to walk up out these ashes and shine.” For Jerica Wortham, this line from her song “Shining” is what it feels like for the Black community to reclaim its story. In this update to Part 3 of “Tulsa Rising,” she talks to our reporters about how art can use history to inform and transform communities. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.
Part 3: 'Everything is Us'
Reconciliation means different things to different people. Tulsa, Oklahoma, seems to be moving toward racial reconciliation with its efforts to commemorate the centennial of the 1921 race massacre, but the work is painful and messy, and has no end in sight. Still, a new generation of Tulsans is finding ways to process and to own the story of the massacre and Black Wall Street. What can the country learn from its efforts? Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.
Update: Mayor G.T. Bynum on restoring trust
When leadership fails a community, how does it build back trust? In this update to Part 2 of “Tulsa Rising,” Tulsa mayor G.T. Bynum talks with our reporters about the city’s duty to help heal the damage that racism has caused Tulsa’s Black community. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.
Part 2: 'The Illusion of Inclusion'
The “Black vote” is something politicians often court, come election seasons. But does it really exist? In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the reality is complicated. The race massacre of 1921 fostered among Tulsa’s Black residents a deep distrust of leaders from both parties. How did Black Tulsans view their city’s history and politics ahead of the 2020 elections? And what gives them hope? Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.
Update: Rev. Robert Turner on reparations and healing
What does the term “reparations” really mean? In an update to Part 1 of “Tulsa Rising,” our reporters catch up with Robert Turner, pastor of the Historic Vernon AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, about the latest in his lifelong fight for reparations for the city’s Black community. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza and Samantha Laine Perfas.
Part 1: 'Their Blood Still Speaks'
A neighborhood destroyed. Thousands displaced. Dozens, if not hundreds, killed. Can such an event really be kept under wraps? In Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was – for nearly a century. Now, 100 years after the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, the city is finally wrestling with its violent history. And the process is raising both old resentments and new conversations. Hosted by Jessica Mendoza.
Introducing: Tulsa Rising
How does a city confront a racist past? Tulsa, Oklahoma, is commemorating the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, one of the worst incidents of racist violence in U.S. history. This series explores how a people rebuilt in the face of hostility – and what it truly takes to repair what hate has broken.
