Ep 2. Goin' Back To T-Town

In season 33 episode 2 of American Experience, titled "Goin' Back To T-Town", viewers are transported to the thriving metropolis of Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 20th century. The episode focuses on the vibrant African American community of Greenwood, known colloquially as "Black Wall Street", which emerged in the wake of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921.

Through archival footage and insightful interviews with historians and descendants of Greenwood residents, audiences learn how this community became a beacon of hope and prosperity for Black Americans in the Jim Crow era. Entrepreneurs, doctors, and professionals of all kinds flourished in Greenwood, creating a self-sufficient and prosperous community.

However, the rise of Greenwood did not sit well with all members of the white community, who resented the economic success and political power of black families in Tulsa. On May 31, 1921, a confrontation between a young black man and a white woman in an elevator sparked a wave of violent race riots that lasted for two days.

The episode does not shy away from the brutal and senseless destruction wrought by the white mob, who looted and burned Black Wall Street to the ground. Countless lives were lost, homes and businesses destroyed, and the once-vibrant community was left in ruins.

Despite the trauma and grief of the survivors, the episode highlights the resilience of the Black Wall Street community in the face of such staggering violence. Many residents refused to leave Greenwood, choosing instead to rebuild their homes and businesses from scratch. Despite continued segregation and institutional racism, Greenwood remained a beacon of hope and pride for Black Americans, who continued to look to the community as a symbol of what is possible.

Overall, "Goin' Back To T-Town" is a powerful and enlightening episode that explores both the incredible accomplishments and extreme challenges faced by African Americans in the early 20th century. Viewers come away with a deep appreciation for the strength and determination of those who endured the Tulsa Race Riot, and an understanding of why Black Wall Street continues to be a source of inspiration for communities today.