1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commemoration Commission unveils exhibit designs for new museum
On the site of the Greenwood Cultural Center, a bold new idea for the future, focused on the past.
"This community was thriving, this community was destroyed, and this community came back in the exact same place, but came back even better than it was," said Phil Armstrong, project director for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commemoration Commission.
In a new 7,000 square foot facility, the story of the Greenwood District will be told from start to finish. The highest highs and the lowest lows.
Holograms, video projectors, and recorded audio and video testimonies from those who witnessed that history will be scattered throughout.
"I'm actually very surprised by all the elements that will be put into the different exhibits. It's actually going to be a wonderful project," said Senoirae Ventura.
Despite the renderings, the project is still very much a work in progress.
People wrote their suggestions on cards on how to phrase things properly and what should be focused on the most.
"It's been a continual collaborative process, but even as it looks as if it's complete, it's really not. Tonight we had many suggestions. Change this name, why are you using this name, have you considered this? A lot of this, you could see us on the stage saying great idea. We're not perfect. We want to hear, what have we missed? What resonated with you, what haven't we told that we need to tell?" said Armstrong.
It's been a story Tulsans have grappled with for decades, but it needs to be told, in full.
"It's a great thing that it's finally being.... that the sacrifice that so many people made..." said Roberta Clardy, trying to put her feelings into words. "It was basically an entire city that was destroyed. So, I mean, what can you do to make up for that?"
