Damario Solomon-Simmons, the Chairman of the Justice for Greenwood Foundation, an organization founded by individuals who tragically lost their loved ones in the 1921 Tulsa Massacre, commonly known as a symbol of racial discrimination in the United States, has expressed the pain and neglect experienced by the victims' families.
Highlighting the events that took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, starting on May 31, 1921, and lasting until the following day, Solomon-Simmons emphasized that the massacre occurred in the town of Greenwood, where the wealthiest black community of that era resided.
Referred to as "Black Wall Street" due to its economic prominence, Greenwood faced escalating tensions as white supremacists from other towns opposed the black community's prosperity. Tragically, the massacre was instigated by false allegations of a black man assaulting a white woman.
Solomon-Simmons criticized the delayed intervention of the state's law enforcement during the massacre and their alleged assistance to racist groups. Furthermore, he noted that the subsequent criminal complaints against the authorities went unanswered.
Contrary to official statements, Solomon-Simmons revealed that the actual death toll in the Tulsa Massacre was significantly higher than reported. In a report submitted by state authorities, it was estimated that at least 1,000 black individuals were killed by white racists, with some victims' bodies still unaccounted for.
Mass graves remain hidden by the state of Oklahoma for over a century to avoid the prosecution of officials involved during that time.
Regarding the investigation into the massacre, Solomon-Simmons criticized the lack of thoroughness by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
He alleged that the FBI's Tulsa report was prepared by white supremacists who supported the massacre, claiming that witnesses and victims' families were never interviewed.
Solomon-Simmons pointed out the lasting impact of the massacre on Greenwood, including housing, education, and employment challenges faced by the black community. Hospitals and clinics destroyed during the violence were never rebuilt, causing profound ongoing effects even after 102 years.
While acknowledging US President Joe Biden's acknowledgment of the Tulsa Massacre, Solomon-Simmons urged him to take further action. He called for increased attention from the FBI and the Department of Justice, particularly in calculating compensation for the families who suffered losses during the massacre.
Solomon-Simmons expressed disappointment with the state of Oklahoma's refusal to provide compensation to the victims' families, citing reluctance to confront racist sentiments within the Tulsa community.