*Ø* Blogmanac | May 31 | 1921 Tulsa's night of shame
US: On this day, more than 300 were killed in a race riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

This sad (and little known) day marks the worst racial violence in American history. Angered by false rumors, whites were shooting throughout the night of the 31st, looting and burning in the early hours of June 1st. Earlier on this day, the Tulsa Tribune newspaper ran a front page article entitled Nab Negro for Attacking Girl in Elevator, and a back page editorial entitled To Lynch Negro Tonight.

The accusation proved false. However, by the time this was determined, the black community of Greenwood was destroyed by a white mob, who murdered many and razed the entire 35 block area.

Photos
Source: The Daily Bleed

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1819 Walt Whitman, American poet (Leaves of Grass)

I loafe and invite my soul.
Walt Whitman, Song of Myself

Now I see the secret of making the best persons: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.
Walt Whitman

I am as bad as the worst, but thank God I am as good as the best.
Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass online

Walt Whitman Shall Not Sleep, poem by Pip