As the calendar turns its pages to February, a month that transcends the conventional acknowledgment of winter, the collective focus shifts to the celebration of Black History. This designated time serves as a poignant reminder to celebrate the everlasting contributions, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of the African American community. As we walk into Black History Month, let us explore the narratives it encapsulates, and acknowledge the achievements and struggles that have paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.

Everyday, as I engage in the ongoing battle against racial disparity and socioeconomic inequality, I find myself reflecting on the challenges faced by those who fought this fight before me. Their struggles and stories serve as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the tenacity required to overcome deeply ingrained systemic racism. 

Let’s go back to the year 1921 in the Greenwood district of Tusla, Oklahoma, also known as Black Wall Street. Once a prosperous Black community, boasting nearly 200 businesses, two schools, a library, and a hospital, the Greenwood district was reduced to ashes, leaving thousands displaced, and hundreds dead. Sparked by false rumors of a young African American man, Dick Rowland, assaulting a young white woman, Sarah Page, an irate white mob gathered outside the courthouse demanding Rowland’s lynching. In response, a group of Black residents, including some World War I veterans, also gathered to protect Rowland. Tensions escalated, leading to an armed confrontation. The physical devastation was immediate, but the economic ramifications lingered long after the flames had subsided, and the financial inequalities stemming from the “Tulsa Massacre ” continue to smolder. The decimation of Black-owned establishments and residences severed the economic foundations of the Greenwood community. Those flames were fueled by a broader system of racism that continues to permeate society.

Today, the lingering effects of economic inequality manifest on a national level through wealth disparities, limited access to opportunities, and systemic obstacles that hinder the complete fulfillment of economic potential for African Americans. Systemic racism manifests in various forms such as racial profiling, biased policies, voter repression, and other institutional barriers that disproportionately affect African Americans in areas like criminal justice, healthcare, housing, and employment just to name a few.

This is only a step towards understanding the historical challenges faced by Black communities but also a call to action for creating a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape. Despite the anger and profound sadness that these heartbreaking events evoke within me, my determination is fueled by hope and recognition that such tragedies have sparked movements, produced leaders, and amplified voices that demand change. As I reflect on those who walked the path for my freedom to sprint, and those who sacrificed their lives for my right to thrive, it becomes evident that the scars of the past continue to shape the present. However I still stand with pride, united in dismantling systemic inequities, advocating for inclusivity, and nurturing an equitable  economic landscape where every Black and Brown individual can pursue progress. The Black Wall Street massacre, a sorrowful episode of racial violence, stands as a powerful reflection during Black History Month, highlighting the endurance and fortitude of the Black community in the wake of historical inequities.
Tracey Cadet-Fleming and the IASJ Tea