Additional Coverage:
- ‘We always carry over here’ — Black Wall Street workers bear arms 105 years after deadly massacre (themirror.com)
Marking the 105th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the spirit of resilience among Black Wall Street business owners remains strong, with many prepared to defend their legacy as fiercely as those before them.
Cyndii Cosper, 53, co-owner of Black Wall Street Tees and Souvenirs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, shared with The Mirror US that while peaceful resolution is their primary goal, they stand ready to exercise their Second Amendment rights if necessary. A 9mm pistol is securely kept in the back of the family-run shop, managed alongside her two sons, Daniel Washington, 22, and Isaiah Harris, 25.
Both sons also own firearms, which they keep at home. Daniel reflected on how the family business shaped him, stating, “The shop helped me become the man I am now,” and emphasized their commitment to carrying firearms to protect what they have built.
Isaiah, who designs the store’s popular novelty sweaters and T-shirts, carries a gun as a precaution, mindful of Tulsa’s troubled history. “It could be anywhere.
You want to be the safest at work because I’m here the most,” he explained.
Nearby, Dante Williams, 45, who works maintenance at Tee’s Barbershop-a longstanding establishment on Black Wall Street-expressed similar sentiments. Known as an unofficial security guard for the barbershop, Williams said he would immediately arm himself if the business came under threat.
“I don’t believe in violence, but I believe in protecting my people,” he said. “If you have to bear arms, do that.”
He described himself as “a soldier at war” who deeply loves the community he serves.
Oklahoma’s open carry laws allow any person 21 or older, or 18 and in the military, who is legally permitted to possess a handgun to carry openly without a permit. This legal framework underpins many Black Wall Street business owners’ decisions to be prepared for self-defense.
The memory of the massacre itself remains a stark reminder of the violence endured by the community. On that tragic day in 1921, a mob of white supremacists-including law enforcement and National Guard troops-attacked Black Wall Street, killing at least 300 African Americans and destroying prosperous Black-owned businesses.
The victims had armed themselves in defense, but were ultimately overwhelmed. The attack was followed by widespread arson and blame cast upon those who had survived the assault.
Today, as Tulsa continues to uncover more about this dark chapter in its history, the people of Black Wall Street stand united in protecting their heritage and ensuring the survival of their community’s hard-won progress.