Tulsa Public Schools Unveils Race Massacre Commemorative Art Project

(TULSA, Okla.) Thursday morning, Tulsa Public Schools unveiled a new public art installation on display at Carver Middle School’s football stadium honoring the history and future of Tulsa’s Greenwood District.

Titled “A Stroll In Greenwood,” the expansive mural stretches 800 feet commemorating painful aspects of the past as well as the hopeful anticipation of the future.

“We are proud to display this incredible new artwork project showing the richness and resilience of the Greenwood culture and the Black Wall Street community,” said Superintendent Deborah Gist. “This year, and in years to come, we hope these illustrations will serve as a reminder of the Tulsa Race Massacre and help our community and others understand the past, reflect on the present, and prepare our students for their future.”

The artwork was created by Kansas City’s D. Ross “Scribe” and Tulsa’s Chris “Sker” Rogers of Sker Creative, a Carver alum. Ross was the main artist and designer. Rogers conceptualized and managed the project while contributing lettering artwork.

This is the second major local public art project for the two collaborators. They are also the ones behind the 2018 Black Wall Street mural that is often photographed today in Greenwood. 

"As an African American and native Tulsan, it's been my privilege working on this project. We wanted to create something positive and educational, to hopefully inspire young minds. And as a Carver alum, seeing this artwork installed here makes me especially proud,” said Rogers.

According to Ross, “This was an opportunity to be part of a new way to tell a story that was kept quiet for too long. I hope that it serves as both a reminder of what was and what can still be.”

“A Stroll In Greenwood” was made possible by support from WPX Energy, Devon Energy, Flintco, and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission.

In fact, this was one of more than 35 projects that garnered a commemorative grant from the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission for community-driven initiatives that promote awareness and healing.

Installing “A Stroll In Greenwood” at the Carver football stadium will allow for student field trips in the coming school year to help facilitate continued learning.

The district has also launched www.tulsaschools.org/TulsaRaceMassacre to provide resources such as videos, activities, and recommended books for students, educators, families, and the community to learn more about the Tulsa Race Massacre. The website also features links to community partners and information on events that will take place during the centennial.

For more information, visit www.tulsaschools.org/tulsaracemassacre.