Presented by the Weatherhead Research Cluster on Global Transformations (WIGH)

Webinar: “A Conversation on Tulsa and the Long History of Dispossession of African Americans: What We Don’t Know”

Thursday, June 18, 2020
6:00pm to 8:00pm

The 1921 Tulsa Massacre has emerged from relative obscurity to become part of our national conversation. Its portrayal in pop culture like Watchmen combined with the recent furor over Donald's Trump's decision to hold a campaign rally in Tulsa the day after Juneteenth require viewing this tragic event in the context of a broader history.

This webinar will begin with an introduction by athlete and activist Malcolm Jenkins on his developing documentary project on Tulsa, and how learning about the massacre has affected his view of racism today. An interdisciplinary panel of four prominent academics will link the legacy of Tulsa to the systemic racism that African Americans still face. Local Tulsa activists will share their call for reparations, and finally a session with athletes will look at how they can use their platform to make little known history more visible.

Opening remarks

Malcolm Jenkins, WIGH Visiting Fellow; New Orleans Saints; Founder, Malcolm Jenkins Foundation

Academic Panel

Elizabeth Hinton, Associate Professor of History and African and African American Studies, Harvard University

David J. Harris, Managing Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice, Harvard Law School

Nathan Nunn, Frederic E. Abbe Professor of Economics, Harvard University

Heather Ann Thompson, Collegiate Professor of History and African American Studies, the University of Michigan

Moderator: Caleb Gayle, Tulsa-raised journalist.

Local Voices

Damario Solomon-Simmons, Tulsa attorney, leader in effort for reparations.

Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Founder of Terence Crutcher Foundation & Black Wall Street Memorial, Social Justice Activist, Change Agent.

Moderator: Stephen Ortega, WIGH Fellow, Global Sports Initiative; Associate Professor of History, Simmons College.

Sports Professionals

Sarah Delgado
Ray Farmer, NFL General Manager.

Denise Kwok, Director of USC Student-Athlete Academic Services.

James Kirkland, Director of Recruiting, University of Illinois.

Ferran Prieto, Manager of Professional Athletes.

Moderator: Khary Darlington, Writer, Public Speaker, and former scout for the Carolina Panthers.

Conveners

Stephen Ortega, WIGH Fellow, Global Sports Initiative; Associate Professor of History, Simmons College.

Lisa McGirr, Professor of History, Harvard University

Co-sponsored by the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice, Harvard Law School