Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Events
May 31-June 1, 1921 right here in Tulsa, one of THE worse race riots massacres occurred on U.S. soil. 100 years later thousands will gather to remember the brilliance, the innovation, the entrepreneurial spirit, and ultimately the tragedy – the burning of Black Wall Street. World Stage Theatre Company is adding its name to the list of organizations that will tell the stories of our ancestors, to celebrate their lives, their contributions, and their legacy.
Tulsa ’21: Black Wall Street
by Tara Brooke Watkins
Directed by Michelle Cullom
This original production about the history of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, the 1921 Massacre, and the current experiences of Tulsa today as a result of this history will take us on an emotional ride through a variety of true stories. The play weaves the narrative of the historical account of the Massacre with true stories of people who live in Tulsa today. These stories were collected in the summer 2017 and are told by an all-black cast. The historical stories were collected by Mary E. Jones Parrish in 1921 just weeks after the disastrous event. All stories are based on factual archival research found in newspapers, TU, and OSU-Tulsa.
Behind the Curtain with Tim Reid
Lynn Riggs Theatre – Oklahomans for Equality
621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, OK 74120
In partnership with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission and Oklahoman’s for Equality, World Stage Theatre Company will feature Tim Reid in their inaugural “Behind The Curtain” event, June 4 2021. We will have a rare opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with Tim about his relationship with Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, the entertainment industry as a whole, his encounters with race and racism, his desire to establish an on-ramp for future filmmakers and his unwavering love of telling the stories of the history and impact of African American’s worldwide. This is a masterclass for those who are interested in the industry and an informative and entertaining evening of storytelling for the general audience. Additionally, we will feature California poet, ArtistJoeMac and a sneak peek into the play, “A Song of Greenwood” based on the story of Race Massacre Survivor, AJ Smitherman, along with a special Q&A with his descendant and playwrights. This event will take place at the Lynn Riggs Theatre at Oklahoman’s for Equality located at 621 E 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120 from 5:30-9pm.
Tim Reid’s Greenwood Film Series
June 5 at Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, Ok 74104
In partnership with the Tulsa Race Massacre Commission and Circle Cinema, World Stage Theatre Company is excited to host actor, director, producer, and comedian, Tim Reid. He will bring two important stories of the African American experience to Tulsa for the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial: His documentary of Greenwood, “Legacy of a People: The Day They Bombed the Promised Land” and his feature film, “Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored” based on the book by Tulsan, Clifton Taulbert. This special event will showcase the spoken word talents of ArtistJoeMac from California and also feature two short films, “Stone Mansion” by Jan Johnsen Goldberger and “Buffalo Soldiers: A Quest for Freedom” by the Isabelle Brothers. Following the films by Tim Reid, there will be a talk-back with Tim Reid and Clifton Taulbert to explore the stories and the process of creating these compelling pieces with the audience. This event is free and open to the public. Tickets must be secured via Circle Cinema. Admission is first-come, first served.