AKIRA

Racial tension has been at an all time in the last few weeks following the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

These two black lives were stolen at the hands of the police. The Black Lives Matter movement has spoken out once again about the injustices that the African-American community faces in the U.S. The movement emerged from the death of Trayvon Martin, who was murdered by George Zimmerman in 2012. The Black Lives Matter initiative has since acted as a voice for the black community. 

Donald Trump has announced a Presidential rally will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 19, 2020. Many African-Americans are upset at the blatant ignorance displayed by the President and his team. For those of you who do not know, Juneteeth is the day that the last slaves were freed. It is the “Black Independence Day” otherwise known as “Freedom Day.” Although, the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted in 1863, essentially ending slavery, owners did not inform their slaves that they were free. It was not until June 19, 1865 that the very last slave was informed that they could walk away from their owner freely. Therefore, June 19th has become a staple in the black community as the real day slavery ended and freedom began.

If you fail to understand why many people are upset about the President speaking on this day, it is because Trump has spoken against the black community on more than one occasion. He has attacked multiple black representatives and media including April Ryan, Don Lemon, and Rep. Maxine Waters. He is misogynistic and racist. He is the epitome of all things involving white supremacy. He is not ignorant to the significance of the day and it shows how low his morality is when it comes to under respected members of the community. 

Not only is the date of this rally important, but so is the place it’s being held, Tulsa, OK. Tulsa was the home of Black Wall Street. From May 31 to June 1, a race riot took place in Greenwood, Tulsa known as the Black Wall Street Massacre. Around 300 black people were murdered, but thousands were affected.

The massacre occurred after Dick Rowland, a 19-year-old black shoeshiner, was accused of assaulting 17-year-old Sarah Page. Rowland was arrested and a white mob gathered at the courthouse. There were rumors that Rowland was lynched which drew the attention of the black community. Shots were fired at the courthouse and 10 white and 2 black people were killed. News traveled fast and soon white rioters came through the black community killing men, burning property, robbing stores and homes. This lasted almost two full days before the National Guard gained control and declared martial law. As a result, around 10,000 black people were left homeless and had property damage amounting over $1.5 million in real estate. The property was never repaired nor were they compensated for the damages. 

This horrific event has left another horrible mark on history for the black community. The significance of these two events have caused frustration throughout the U.S. Although, the President has stated this was merely a coincidence, it would be ridiculous to assume out of the many logistical and public relations help that the White House has, no one could understand the magnitude of the day and place. If that is the case, then there is clearly a stronger need for more diversity in the White House. This is an insulting and offensive act and should be addressed as so.