President Trump’s Tulsa rally sheds light on black American history and his commitment to building up the black community
Tulsa World
RNC Sr. Advisor for Black Media Affairs Paris Dennard
June 18, 2020
"Growing up, my Granny and Papa would always tell me, 'Know who you are and whose you are.' Black American history has always been important to me. Long before the mainstream media decided to focus on Tulsa, I knew about a neighborhood in the Greenwood area of Tulsa, known now as 'Black Wall Street.'
"What I most admired about the residents of Greenwood and other cities like Durham, North Carolina's Black Wall Street, was the ability for these black Americans to achieve so much by supporting each other, investing in each other and building a prosperous community, jobs, generational wealth and a sense of pride.
"…They did not let the laws of the land prevent them from building a beautifully prosperous black oasis boasting their own stores, movie theaters, restaurants, realtors, banks, churches, physicians, lawyers, salons and modern homes.
"When you think about black success, black generational wealth, black entrepreneurship, the American dream, it could be found in Greenwood…
"Horrifically, that all came to a disgustingly brutal stop May 31 through June 1, 1921, when the legacy of this town became known more for the massacre rather than its majesty.
…
"Fast forward 99 years later to the day when I, like President Trump, and so many other Americans, watched black American cities literally being destroyed by lawless mobs after the tragic murder of George Floyd. I could not believe black-owned businesses in many cities run by Democrats, were allowed to burn along with the hopes and dreams of so many that were trying to have their own American dream, provide for their families and bring beacons of light to their communities.
…
"When the Trump campaign announced the rally in Tulsa it gave the world an opportunity to learn more about and from Black Wall Street, not just the massacre but why it was so significant, why it was so unique and is an example for us 99 years later…
"The rally in Tulsa will now happen on the Saturday because President Trump is a leader who listens and cares. The media will never give him credit for how responsive and intentional he is, certainly on issues of race and the black community…
"…I have no doubt that our nation, including our black communities, will come back stronger than ever and we will rebuild with President Trump as our leader. He may not get the credit he deserves today, but in the end, because of his leadership we will have a great American comeback!"
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