In 1921, following the devastation of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Buck Colbert Franklin, an African American attorney, dedicated himself to the legal defense of survivors facing criminal charges. The massacre, a horrific act of racial violence in the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, left hundreds dead and a thriving Black community reduced to ashes. Remarkably, Franklin successfully defended many of those accused, often facing an uphill battle against biased legal systems and widespread prejudice.
Franklin’s work came in the immediate aftermath of the attack, when scores of Black residents were arrested and accused of inciting the riot – effectively reversing the roles of victim and aggressor. According to the American Historical Association, Franklin took on these cases, navigating a deeply hostile environment to secure acquittals and reduced charges for his clients. The sheer scale of the injustice demanded a legal response, and Franklin provided it.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, which occurred between May 31 and June 1, 1921, was sparked by a disputed incident involving a young Black man and a young white woman. This incident quickly escalated into a full-scale assault on Greenwood, a prosperous Black neighborhood often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” White mobs, aided by local authorities, looted and burned homes and businesses, and engaged in widespread violence against Black residents. A recently discovered manuscript, detailed by Smithsonian Magazine, provides a searing eyewitness account of the events, underscoring the terror and brutality experienced by those who lived through the massacre.
Franklin’s legal clinic, now known as the Buck Colbert Franklin Legal Clinic at the University of Tulsa, continues his legacy of providing legal assistance to underserved communities. The clinic’s existence serves as a lasting tribute to his commitment to justice and equality. The University of Tulsa’s clinic focuses on providing representation in civil matters, carrying forward Franklin’s dedication to advocating for those in need.
Despite Franklin’s legal victories for the survivors, the broader issue of restitution for the damages suffered during the massacre remains unresolved. As noted in a 2023 New York Times opinion piece, over a century later, the descendants of those who lost everything in the massacre continue to seek redress for the economic and emotional harm inflicted upon their families. The pursuit of justice and compensation for the victims and their descendants continues to be a complex and challenging endeavor.
The legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre and the work of Buck Colbert Franklin remain relevant today, as discussions about racial justice and systemic inequality continue to shape the national conversation. PBS reported that the events of 101 years ago continue to resonate, prompting ongoing efforts to acknowledge the past and address its lingering consequences. The question of how to fully account for and repair the damage caused by this historical tragedy remains a central challenge for the city of Tulsa and the nation as a whole.
