Dr. Karlos Hill, a historian and professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Clara Luper Department of African and African American Studies, is on a mission to deepen public understanding of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Greenwood and mobilize Oklahomans toward justice.
His upcoming presentation at the Metropolitan Library is more than a lecture—it’s a call to action. Located at 300 Park Ave. in Oklahoma City, the discussion will highlight systemic inaction and the state’s complicity in the massacre as well as its aftermath.
In an interview with The Black Wall Street Times, Dr. Hill argues that the Tulsa Race Massacre is not just a Tulsa event but a state-wide failure.
“We need Oklahomans activated around what happened in Tulsa, not just Tulsans,” he said. Hill explains that the massacre was enabled by the state and city, and its legacy persists in Greenwood’s ongoing struggles.
“Tulsa gets all the focus, but this is an Oklahoma tragedy,” Hill said.
Oklahoma professor demands justice for Greenwood beyond apologies
Acknowledgment is not enough. Dr. Hill insists that reparative measures must be implemented.
“If we are interested in justice, we must move beyond apology and focus on repair,” he said. Dr. Hill sees Greenwood itself as the third survivor that deserves restitution.
While attention is given to the last two known living survivors—110-year-old Mother Viola Fletcher and 110-year-old Mother Lessie Benningfield Randle—he argues that the community itself must also be treated as a survivor deserving justice.
From awareness to action
At his lecture, Dr. Hill’s goal is not simply to educate but to galvanize action.
“I don’t want people to just say, ‘Oh, I learned a lot about the Race Massacre.’ That’s not enough,” he said. “I want people to walk away saying, ‘I care in ways I never did before,’ and then do something about it.”
Dr. Hill believes that if he can get people to care about Greenwood, that will help people to engage with history firsthand—reading more, visiting Greenwood, supporting reparations efforts, and advocating for policies that address deep-seated racial injustices.
Justice in remembrance
As Dr. Hill prepares to speak at the Metropolitan Library, his message is clear: remembrance is a path towards justice, but Oklahomans must be actively engaged in seeking justice for Greenwood and all communities affected by racial violence.
“This isn’t just about knowing history—it’s about what you do with that knowledge,” he said. For Dr. Hill, history is a tool for justice. And for Greenwood, the fight is far from over.
His talk titled, “The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: Survivor Stories with Dr. Karlos Hill,” will be presented at the Downtown Oklahoma City Library on Feb. 15th at 2:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public.
Your article is well-researched and well-presented, thanks!
Yes, I will from Tulsa attend for sure!