DREAMLAND: THE BURNING OF BLACK WALL STREET AIRS ON CNN
One hundred years ago this week, more than 300 people die in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Greenwood District of Tulsa was the site of the violent race riot triggered by white supremacist bigotry and irrational fears that left hundreds of Black families and homes destroyed. In addition, they destroyed what was once known as Black Wall Street.
“Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street” is a new documentary that explores the history of Black Wall Street and the violent events of late May and June 1921 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Black cultural renaissance celebratory film is executive produced by LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, and Philip Byron for The SpringHill Company, and Amy Entelis and Courtney Sexton.
Local authorities pursued and killed hundreds of Black men, women, and children in stunning acts of violence. Throughout the day, gunfire was exchanged from automobiles, alleys, and rooftops. When morning came, airplanes flew by, circled Black Wall Street, and white pilots dropped turpentine bombs on Greenwood. The buildings of Black Wall Street cratered and collapsed into ruin from the aerial assault. Not only were there no arrests made, but there also wasn’t a formal count of those killed. Instead, the event was covered up until 1997.
“I am asking that my country acknowledge what has happened to me,” she said in a voice that resonated with strength. “The trauma. The pain. The loss. And I ask that survivors and descendants be given a chance to seek justice,” said Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Massacre.
Black people have always been some of the world’s greatest innovators, and it’s past time we reclaim that narrative. The film is now available on demand, CNNgo platforms, and CNN mobile apps. The film will encore Saturday, June 5 at 9:00pm est. HBO Max has acquired streaming rights to the film and will offer it for subscribers at a later date.
