Some outraged Republican says 1921 Tulsa massacre was not motivated by race; even though Walters made his claims clear that it was indeed racist and it was hate that led to Tulsa massacre but his alleged denial of the need of critical race theory in our educational system is simply back stabbing his claims. The 1921 Tulsa massacre was one of the worst episodes of racial violence in American history.
On May 31 and June 1, 1921, white mobs attacked and burned down the prosperous Black neighborhood of Greenwood, also known as “Black Wall Street”, killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands homeless.
The massacre was sparked by a false rumor that a Black teenager had assaulted a white woman in an elevator. The massacre has long been a painful and shameful chapter in Oklahoma’s history, but it has also been largely ignored and would be erased from public memory, if critical race theory is not been taught in schools.
The use of rumors to blackmail individuals of black Decent is still prevalent even today. A careful study and investigation can easily produce clear cut evidence of false rumors been used today against black folks creating an atmosphere for bias to thrive. The issue of teaching critical race theory in schools is more needed today than ever before.
For decades, the survivors and their descendants have sought justice and recognition for their losses and trauma. In recent years, there has been a renewed effort to uncover the truth and honor the victims of the massacre.
However, not everyone is willing to acknowledge the historical facts and the racial motivations behind the massacre. In a shocking statement, Ryan Walters, the Republican superintendent of public instruction in Oklahoma, claimed that the Critical race theory in school is teaching kids hate; when actually its needed to erase the poisonous trans-generational indoctrination of hate.
Critical race theory is an academic framework that examines how racism and power structures shape society and institutions.
It has become a controversial and politicized topic in recent months, as some conservatives have accused it of being divisive and anti-American. Walters is one of them. He said that he opposes teaching critical race theory because it “teaches kids to hate each other” and “teaches kids to hate America”. He also said that he supports teaching “accurate history”, but then proceeded to distort and deny the history of the Tulsa massacre by simply going against critical race theory been taught in schools.
Walters’ comments have sparked outrage and condemnation from historians, educators, activists, and lawmakers, who have called them “ignorant”, “offensive”, “dangerous”, and “revisionist”. They have also criticized Walters for trying to whitewash and downplay the horrors of the massacre and its impact on the Black community by fighting against critical race theory been taught in schools. Walters’ comments are not only an insult to the survivors and their descendants, but also a disservice to the students and teachers of Oklahoma.
As the superintendent of public instruction, Walters is responsible for overseeing the state’s education system and ensuring that students receive a high-quality and inclusive education that prepares them for the future. By denying the need for critical race theory, the entire essence of stopping another Tulsa massacre is been hampered down the road in history. This entire onslaught on critical race theory could lead to a distorted history of the Tulsa massacre. Walters is failing to fulfill his duty and undermining the trust and respect of his constituents.
The Tulsa massacre is not a matter of opinion or interpretation. It is a matter of historical fact and moral accountability. It is essential that students learn about this tragic event and its causes and consequences, as well as the resilience and courage of the Black community in Greenwood.
Teaching critical race theory history is not teaching kids to hate each other or America. It is teaching kids to understand each other and America better.