Remember Tulsa. Remember Central Albina.
The Albina neighborhood in 1952, after the completion of Interstate Avenue. All of the buildings in this photo were razed by 1960. (Thomas Robinson/Historic Photo Archive)
Yesterday, May 31, 2021, marked the 100th anniversary for one of the worst acts of racial violence in American history—the Tulsa Race Massacre. In 1921, a mob of white people tore down and burned the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma — a segregated part of the city so prosperous and bustling, it was known as Black Wall Street.
Today we join our partners at EDPA2, a group made up of survivors and descendants whose homes were demolished in N/NE Portland, to use this moment to highlight and actively advocate for the repair and adequate compensation of ALL Black communities that have been intentionally destroyed across this country, including the thriving and prosperous Black community right here in Portland, Oregon, in former Central Albina.
"All over the country in Illinois, Detroit, Los Angeles and more, local governments are actively seeking to address and offer recompense for their respective roles in the bigoted and discriminatory practices of real estate massacre that occurred in Black communities. During the 60's and 70's the burgeoning Black community of Central Albina was destroyed. And like Tulsa, Oklahoma the impact is visited upon the descendants of its victims. Unlike Tulsa, Oklahoma, local officials in the City of Portland continue to turn their backs on the victims of this travesty while continuing to line the pockets and grease the palms of the agencies responsible for the destruction of Central Albina." says Byrd, who goes by only one name and is the co-founder of EDPA2.
This shameful history will not be forgotten as long as we all work to make sure that no one forgets. If you haven't already, please consider watching our most recent film release that features prominent leaders from EDPA2, and support the "Where's Pearl?" campaign, that works to shed light on this Portland history that is not talked about enough.