DOJ Reexamines Historic Event with Modern Legislation: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

DOJ entrance statue

The U.S. Department of Justice has reopened the investigation into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, invoking the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, leading to potential new discoveries by year’s end.

At a Glance

  • The DOJ is reviewing the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre under the Emmett Till Act.
  • Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke heads this cold case initiative.
  • This marks the first-ever federal investigation into the massacre.
  • Descendants of survivors welcome the review, criticizing city and state compensation efforts.
  • Findings are expected by the end of the year.

DOJ’s Cold Case Initiative

The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has a dedicated cold case initiative aimed at investigating unsolved civil rights crimes. This initiative, led by Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, is currently focused on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act allows for these investigations, provided the crimes occurred before December 31, 1979.

This significant federal reexamination aims to juxtapose historical facts with contemporary civil rights standards. Although it’s anticipated that none of the perpetrators are alive, the Department of Justice will scrutinize available documents, witness statements, and academic research.

Historical Context and Legal Challenges

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre involved a white mob attacking the prosperous Black community of Greenwood, colloquially known as “Black Wall Street.” The violence resulted in up to 300 Black deaths, the destruction of over 1,200 properties, and thousands being forced into internment camps. This tragic event devastated a thriving community and has been a focal point of civil rights discussions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke has stated that there is “no expectation” of prosecuting anyone still living as a result of this inquiry. The DOJ acknowledges significant legal hurdles, including expired statutes of limitations and the absence of federal hate crime laws at the time. When federal prosecution is not possible, cases may be referred to state and local authorities.

Community Response and Anticipated Outcomes

Descendants of survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre have welcomed the federal review, criticizing city and state leaders for insufficient efforts toward financial compensation. The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently dismissed a lawsuit by survivors, thereby reducing hopes for reparations. The DOJ plans to publish a public report detailing its findings by the end of the year.

Reverend Wheeler Parker, Emmett Till’s cousin, has been an active voice in the conversation, emphasizing the importance of addressing historical civil rights crimes. This renewed investigation under the Emmett Till Act mirrors the ongoing struggle for justice in historical cases that have long challenged America’s legal and moral frameworks. https://www.koco.com/article/tulsa-race-massacre-doj-civil-rights-review/62464189

The Path Forward

Since 2008, the DOJ has opened 137 cases for review under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, involving 160 known victims, and has resolved 125 cases. The Act has led to two successful federal prosecutions and three successful state prosecutions, including cases related to Ku Klux Klan violence in the 1960s. This initiative encourages public input on unsolved cases, particularly from the 1970s.

The DOJ’s review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre signifies a crucial step in reassessing and potentially reconciling past atrocities with modern principles of justice. This action not only honors the memory of those who suffered but also reflects ongoing efforts to address inequities that continue to challenge society today.

Sources:

  1. https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/01/us/tulsa-race-massacre/index.html
  2. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/justice-department-launches-first-federal-review-1921-tulsa-race-massacre-2024-10-01/
  3. https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/assistant-attorney-general-kristen-clarke-delivers-remarks-civil-rights-divisions-cold
  4. https://www.koco.com/article/tulsa-race-massacre-doj-civil-rights-review/62464189
  5. https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2024-10-01/justice-department-launches-first-federal-review-of-1921-tulsa-race-massacre
  6. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/us/tulsa-massacre-justice-emmett-till.html
  7. https://www.blackenterprise.com/doj-review-bombing-tulsa-civil-rights/
  8. https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2024-09-30/justice-department-will-launch-civil-rights-review-into-1921-tulsa-race-massacre
  9. https://people.com/tulsa-race-massacre-federal-review-department-justice-8721184
  10. https://www.yahoo.com/news/federal-justice-department-launches-first-160530349.html