This is why they are BANNING black history in schools..

Summary

This documentary highlights four tragic events in African American history: the East St. Louis Massacre of 1917, where racial violence devastated black communities; the MOVE bombing in 1985, where police dropped bombs on a group of black residents, killing 11 and destroying homes; the Elaine Massacre of 1919, where white mobs attacked black sharecroppers in Arkansas, killing hundreds; and the Tulsa Massacre of 1921, when a thriving black community was destroyed by a white mob, leaving thousands homeless. These events reflect deep-seated racial injustice and the systemic failure of government and law enforcement to protect black lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The East St. Louis Massacre of 1917 saw violent attacks on Black residents, with many killed and homes destroyed, but the local authorities did little to intervene.
• 😀 The MOVE bombing in 1985 involved the Philadelphia Police Department dropping bombs on a Black liberation group’s compound, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including children, and widespread destruction.
• 😀 The Elaine Massacre of 1919 was one of the deadliest racial confrontations in Arkansas history, where over 100 Black sharecroppers were killed by white mobs after organizing for better working conditions.
• 😀 The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 destroyed the thriving Black community of Greenwood, known as Black Wall Street, following false accusations against a Black man, with up to 300 people killed and significant property loss.
• 😀 Authorities during the East St. Louis Massacre failed to protect Black residents, and the government’s response to the violence was largely inadequate and dismissive of Black lives.
• 😀 Despite no evidence of assault, a white mob in Tulsa targeted the Greenwood District after rumors circulated about an alleged incident involving a Black man and a white woman, escalating into a horrific attack on the community.
• 😀 In the aftermath of the MOVE bombing, the local fire department and police failed to control the fire that spread, resulting in 11 deaths and the destruction of an entire neighborhood.
• 😀 The Elaine Massacre was sparked by racial tension and fears over Black labor unions, with federal troops aiding white mobs in carrying out the violence against Black residents.
• 😀 The 1921 Tulsa Massacre left a lasting legacy of trauma, with survivors losing homes and businesses and receiving no government compensation for their losses.
• 😀 The systemic racism, violence, and discrimination faced by Black communities throughout history are central themes in these tragedies, highlighting a pattern of neglect and injustice from both local and national authorities.

Q & A

What sparked the East St. Louis Massacre of 1917?

The East St. Louis Massacre of 1917 was sparked by tensions between Black workers and white residents, primarily caused by competition for jobs in the city's industrial sector. The violence escalated when a White mob attacked Black residents, resulting in the deaths of many and widespread destruction.

What was the response of the government and local authorities to the East St. Louis Massacre?

The government and local authorities' response to the East St. Louis Massacre was inadequate. President Woodrow Wilson expressed condolences but took no concrete action, and local law enforcement failed to protect Black residents from the violence.

How did the Philadelphia Police Department respond during the MOVE confrontation in 1985?

The Philadelphia Police Department responded to the MOVE organization by dropping bombs on their compound in a violent standoff, causing the building to catch fire and spread to neighboring homes. The bombing led to the deaths of 11 MOVE members, including children.

What was the aftermath of the MOVE bombing in Philadelphia?

The aftermath of the MOVE bombing resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including children, and the destruction of 61 homes, leaving around 250 people homeless. The incident highlighted the severe use of force by police and the lack of accountability.

What were the underlying causes of the Elaine Massacre in 1919?

The Elaine Massacre in 1919 was caused by long-standing racial tensions, economic exploitation of Black sharecroppers, and fears of the growth of labor unions among Black farmers. It was triggered when a group of Black sharecroppers tried to organize for better working conditions and fair prices for their crops.

How many Black lives were estimated to have been lost during the Elaine Massacre?

Estimates of Black deaths during the Elaine Massacre range from 100 to 800, though the exact number remains unclear due to the chaotic and violent nature of the attack.

What role did the U.S. military play in the Elaine Massacre?

Federal troops, along with local law enforcement and vigilante groups, played a significant role in the Elaine Massacre by aiding white mobs in attacking Black residents and suppressing any resistance to the violence.

What was the significance of the Greenwood District in Tulsa before the 1921 massacre?

The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was known as 'Black Wall Street' due to its thriving Black community, which included successful Black entrepreneurs, homeowners, and civic leaders. It was a sanctuary for Black people escaping racial terror in other parts of the country.

What triggered the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921?

The Tulsa Race Massacre was triggered when a Black man named Dick Roland was accused of assaulting a white woman, despite a lack of evidence. This accusation led to escalating racial tensions and a violent confrontation between Black residents and a white mob.

How did the National Guard respond during the Tulsa Race Massacre?

Instead of protecting the Black community, the National Guard assisted the white mob in destroying the Greenwood District, which included bombing the area and causing widespread death and destruction. This response contributed to the devastation of Black Wall Street.

What was the long-term impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre on the Black community?

The long-term impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre was profound, with Black residents losing their homes, businesses, and lives. The survivors received no government assistance or restitution, and the community's economic prosperity was decimated. The event left deep scars in the Black community in Tulsa, with its effects still being felt today.