Tulsa Faces Reckoning Over Historical Racism as State Law Restricts How History is Taught
Ask students: How many people were killed in the Tulsa massacre? What are some ways the Tulsa massacre still affects the community?
Summary
As the country has been reckoning with questions of race, justice and equality, many state legislatures have passed laws restricting how American history, particularly around the issue of race, can be taught in schools. Judy Woodruff visited her native Tulsa, Oklahoma, to see how that city, amid its own reckoning, is navigating this moment. It’s her latest installment of America at a Crossroads.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- How many people were killed in the Tulsa massacre?
- When did a mob of white men chased a group of Black men into Greenwood?
- Who is Kristi Williams?
- What are some ways the Tulsa massacre still affects the community?
- Where is Judy Woodruff from?
Focus Questions
How does the state of Oklahoma commemorate the attack? What else do you think the state could do?
News analysis: How do you think the media covered the attack back in 1921 compared to how it is remembered today?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — What should communities like Tulsa do to recon with historic incidents such as the Tulsa massacre?
Student Video of the Day (May 9, 2023)
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
Anti-Racist Educational Resources
Racism is everyone’s problem, and we all have an integral role to play in stopping it. Start planning your lessons with this collection of free preK-12 resources.
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