One of the major events that occurred in the history of America is the Black Wall Street burning. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Greenwood District, famous for the name the Black Wall Street, was the business district, residential complex as well as the civic establishment of blacks. This district provided shelter for blacks who, after resisting the brutal forces of segregation, prejudice, and racial violence, were able to build a thriving and thriving business complex.
However, in May 1921, the town of Greenwood was attacked by the mob of whites, burnt, and destroyed. Hundreds of African-American families were rendered homeless. An unknown number of Black citizens were murdered (estimates from 100 to 300). This savage retaliation against the perceived prosperity of the Black citizens was incited by the economic empowerment of Black Wall Street. White supremacists felt the flourishing Black district threatened the racial order.
In America Ought To Be Thankful for Haiti: Believe the Lie When People Of Color Experience Pride, Roger Persaud directs the nation’s attention towards the massacre of Black Wall Street, illustrating the manner by which this tragedy is indicative of the overall trend towards racial injustice and violence for America. This piece addresses the way by which Black populations were continuously targeted and destroyed throughout history not only through violence, but through economic disenfranchisement and the restriction placed upon them by the law. This massacre is indicative of the overall history of racial violence and economic exploitation for Black Americans.
This historical episode is utilized by Roger Persaud for the purpose of establishing connections regarding the economic prosperity of the African Americans and the ongoing efforts towards quashing the prosperity. This is one book where readers can analyze the strength of the Black populations, historically and even now, and the lasting impact of the injustice upon the lives of the modern-day African Americans. America Should Be Thankful to Haiti also relates the firebombing of Black Wall Street to the history of racial violence against other flourishing groups, including the Osage Massacre against the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma. These histories of destruction are a strong appeal for the country to address the history of racial and economic injustice hanging over the margins.
Through this study of Black Wall Street, the work by Roger Persaud highlights the importance of acknowledging these tragedies, their consequences, and the importance of increased fairness and justice tomorrow. Black struggles such as those during the Haitian Revolution inspire the future, keeping alive the understanding that even against the utmost adversity, the fight for fairness and dignity continues.