Greenwood, Okla.: The Legacy of the Tulsa Race Riot

Heidi

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Wed Jun-01-11 11:29 AM
Original message

Greenwood, Okla.: The Legacy of the Tulsa Race Riot

I'm not the only Oklahoma native at DU, so I'd like to know if anyone else learned this episode in history only in adulthood. I'm 48, and I first learned about Greenwood's impressive history and tragic, racism-based destruction when I was in my 20s. I don't recall hearing anything about it during Oklahoma history when I was in school.

http://www.theroot.com/views/legacy-greenwood?GT1=38002

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yesphan

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Wed Jun-01-11 11:36 AM
Response to Original message

1. Born and raised in OK

Did not learn about it in School, K-12. Only as adult, I heard about it, researched it, etc.
I also don't remember learning that OK had the highest number of socialist representatives in the country at one time.

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Heidi

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Wed Jun-01-11 11:39 AM
Response to Reply #1

2. Exactly.

I wonder if kids in Oklahoma history are finally hearing about Greenwood.

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yesphan

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Wed Jun-01-11 11:51 AM
Response to Reply #2

3. Perhaps in local

African American study groups but I don't see why they would make it part of the curricula
in the public school system. Of course I think they should, but why would they start now ?

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Heidi

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Wed Jun-01-11 11:54 AM
Response to Reply #3

4. Because it's the right thing to do.

I'm of the opinion that stories like Greenwood's will never be told in schools unless parents/taxpayers force the issue.

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yesphan

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Wed Jun-01-11 12:04 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. You are absolutely right Heidi.

As it is an actual part of the history of Oklahoma, and no small matter at that, it should be taught.
However, the powers that were that thought it best to leave it out of the curricula for 90 years,
are now the powers that be. I ask you in all seriousness, what can we do about it ?

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Heidi

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Wed Jun-01-11 12:32 PM
Response to Reply #5

6. My mom was an Oklahoma teacher for 35 years.

Edited on Wed Jun-01-11 01:08 PM by Heidi

She always said that the only thing that changes curriculum is for parents to become a regular presence at school board meetings. It has worked to a large extent for factions with whom I very much disagree, so I imagine it would work for people on the right side of history and education -- if there were enough people on the right side of history.

Heck, it's hard for me to be optimistic. I learned the truth about Vietnam at home because my dad's a Vietnam veteran. It was presented in "World History" as an honorable battle against communism.

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