Nov 30, 2024 Story by: Editor
Oklahoma authorities are seeking public assistance in identifying a suspect involved in vandalizing a mural that commemorates the history of Tulsa’s Greenwood district, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” The vandalism occurred late last month and caused significant damage, amounting to thousands of dollars.
The artwork, titled “History in the Making” (2021), is a collaboration between Oklahoma-based artist Skip Hill and Tulsa graffiti artist Chris “Sker” Rogers. The mural honors the residents of Greenwood and their resilience after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the darkest chapters in U.S. history. The massacre, led by Klan-affiliated White mobs, resulted in the deaths of approximately 300 Black residents and the destruction of over 1,200 homes, businesses, and community institutions.
The Tulsa Police Department released surveillance images on Facebook on November 12, showing an individual wearing a dark hoodie and an orange backpack vandalizing the mural in the early hours of October 27. The public artwork, located at 111 North Greenwood Avenue, was left with a significant horizontal tear. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the city’s crime stoppers unit.
“More than anything else, I feel just a really strong sense of grief for the loss to the community,” Hill said in response to the incident.
The mural was created to mark the centennial of the 1921 massacre and celebrates Greenwood’s rich history and the determination of its residents, who rebuilt their community despite systemic racism, restrictive zoning laws, and a lack of financial aid from insurers. It depicts key figures such as educators, World War I veterans, and business leaders like Simon Berry, a transportation entrepreneur shown alongside his biplane. The piece was commissioned by the Greenwood banking platform and has become a popular site for local tours.
Hill expressed his commitment to restoring the mural and lamented the impact of the damage on the community, particularly on children who visited the artwork. “What hurts me is when I think about the kids who would stand in front of it as their mom or dad take a picture of them,” he said.
This act of vandalism has sparked calls for justice and underscored the importance of preserving Greenwood’s legacy. Source: Hyper Allergic
