People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026.
People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026. Credit: Cory Young/For The Oklahoma Eagle

Over the weekend, Tulsans turned out by the hundreds at several gatherings to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 

As Black Wall Street Legacy Festival took over Greenwood, a crowd of celebrants attended a Friday black tie awards gala hosted by Justice For Greenwood in downtown. On Saturday evening, hundreds flocked to a concert by the soulful singer Fantasia Barrino. 

A crowd assembled for a candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising Sunday. The museum celebrating its fifth anniversary sits at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and East Archer Street — the center of the bloody events of May 30-June 1, 1921.

  • People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026.
    People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026. Credit: Cory Young/For The Oklahoma Eagle
  • People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026.
    People gather during the Black Wall Street candlelight vigil at Greenwood Rising May 31, 2026. Credit: Cory Young/For The Oklahoma Eagle
  • Fantasia performs May 30, 2026, at the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival.
    Fantasia performs May 30, 2026, at the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival. Credit: Cory Young/For The Oklahoma Eagle
  • Fans react as Fantasia performs May 30, 2026, at the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival.
    Fans react as Fantasia performs May 30, 2026, at the Black Wall Street Legacy Festival. Credit: Cory Young/For The Oklahoma Eagle
  • Damario Solomon-Simmons, President & Chief Legal Counsel of Justice for Greenwood, presents award to Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
    Damario Solomon-Simmons, President & Chief Legal Counsel of Justice for Greenwood, presents award to Lessie Benningfield Randle, the last survivor of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

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Gary Lee is the executive editor for the Tulsa Flyer and The Oklahoma Eagle. Gary’s distinct career in journalism has made an impact globally. Prior to returning to Tulsa to help establish the partnership...