Watch Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten

Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten is a sobering and illuminating documentary that examines the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most shameful and tragic events in American history that has been largely erased from collective memory. The film, directed by Jonathan Silvers and executive produced by NBA superstar Russell Westbrook, airs on PBS and HBO Max, and it features commentary from historians, survivors, activists, and descendants who explore the causes, consequences, and legacy of the massacre.

The movie opens with a brief overview of the thriving Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as "Black Wall Street," that had emerged in the early 1900s as a hub of entrepreneurship, education, and cultural expression. Greenwood was home to thousands of Black families who owned businesses, homes, and churches, and who had created a self-sufficient and proud community that resisted racism and segregation. However, alongside the growth of Greenwood came the fear and envy of White residents and officials who saw it as a threat to their supremacy and prosperity.

The documentary then delves into the events leading up to the massacre, which began on May 31, 1921, with the false accusation of a young White woman named Sarah Page that a Black man named Dick Rowland had assaulted her in an elevator. The rumor spread quickly, fueled by sensationalized accounts from the White-owned newspapers, and the Tulsa police arrested Rowland and put him in jail. A group of armed White men gathered outside the courthouse, demanding that Rowland be handed over to them for lynching. A group of armed Black men, including World War I veterans, came to protect Rowland from the mob, and a standoff ensued.

The documentary vividly portrays the escalation of violence and chaos that ensued, as the White mob attacked and burned down Black homes, businesses, churches, and schools in Greenwood, shooting and killing Black residents indiscriminately. The National Guard was called in to restore order, but instead, they joined the White attackers and even used airplanes to drop bombs on Black neighborhoods. The film interviews survivors who describe the horrors they witnessed and endured, such as being forced to flee their homes at gunpoint, hiding in basements and attics, and watching loved ones being murdered in front of them. The death toll of the massacre remains uncertain, but estimates range from 75 to 300 Black people killed, hundreds of injured, and over 10,000 left homeless.

The movie exposes the layers of racism and prejudice that allowed the massacre to occur and go unpunished. The documentary reveals how the Tulsa Police Department deputized White civilians and gave them weapons to hunt down and kill Black people, while arresting and disarming Black residents who tried to defend themselves. The movie also shows how the judicial system failed to bring the perpetrators to justice, as no one was ever charged, tried, or convicted for the murders, and insurance companies denied claims from Black property owners, citing the "riot exclusion" clause. The film contrasts the lack of accountability for the massacre with the harsh treatment of Black people who were accused of crimes, such as the Scottsboro Boys and the Groveland Four, who were falsely accused and sentenced to death or life in prison based on the flimsiest evidence.

The documentary also explores the long-lasting effects of the massacre on the survivors and their descendants, who have been traumatized, silenced, and marginalized for decades. The movie shows how many Black residents were forced to leave Tulsa and could not return or rebuild their lives, while others stayed and endured segregation, discrimination, and economic deprivation. The film interviews descendants who share their stories of coming to terms with the trauma and loss of their ancestors, and who demand recognition, reparations, and healing from the city and the country. The documentary ends with a call to action for viewers to learn more about the Tulsa Race Massacre and to support the efforts to correct the historical record, to honor the victims and survivors, and to build a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten is a powerful and essential documentary that sheds light on a dark chapter in American history that has been suppressed and ignored for too long. The movie blends archival footage, cinematic reconstructions, and poignant testimonials to create a compelling and heart-wrenching narrative that honors the resilience and dignity of the Black community in Greenwood and exposes the systemic racism and violence that have shaped the nation. The film is a must-see for anyone who cares about social justice, human rights, and the truth.

Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten is a 2021 documentary. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.