1/23/2024
Performances and Artists
Tulsa archaeologist Alicia Odewale digs deep into the 1921 Black Wall Street attack
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, archaeologist Dr. Alicia Odewale first learned from her father — a teacher — about the 1921 attack on Black Wall Street in the city’s historic Greenwood District.
Considered one of the worst episodes of racial violence committed against Black people in American history, the massacre left a devastating toll on generations of survivors and their descendants, even impacting the footprint of the district itself.
When Odewale later learned that she was a descendent of a survivor, “That changed the game for me,” she says.
Since then, Odewale has devoted herself to uncovering inspiring stories in the century since the attack. She has discovered not only stunning truths about the event but also revelations of how the Greenwood District persevered to evolve into the thriving community it is today.
“Within this beautiful community, there’s been over 100 years of resilience,” she says. “It’s (a community) that is still standing, despite all odds.”
Audiences will hear all about this on February 17 at Reynolds Hall during a National Geographic Live presentation titled “Greenwood: A Century of Resilience.” Odewale will use archaeology and radical mapping as tools for recovering lost stories, reclaiming a narrative and pursuing restorative justice.
“This is telling a story about Greenwood as it exists today, and all the twists and turns that history has taken,” she says.
Those who haven’t heard of the Tulsa Race Massacre are not alone, adds Odewale, who teaches at the University of Tulsa. “Every year, I have students coming into the classroom who have never heard of it,” she says.
Not only does she feel compelled to raise awareness of the 1921 attack, but she also strives to better understand her family ties to the event.
“There’s a journey I have to work through, both as an archaeologist, as a descendent and as an educator,” she says. “Part of that journey, you’ll see live onstage.”
See The Show
ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
Odewale, Poole and Virts’ events are part of National Geographic Live’s programming throughout the United States and abroad. National Geographic’s broad roster of talent shares their behind-the-scenes stories from the front lines of exploration alongside stunning imagery and gripping footage. For more information on National Geographic Live and other National Geographic events, please visit nationalgeographic.com/events.