Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street

Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street is a gripping documentary film that delves into one of the darkest periods in American history - the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The movie premiered on May 31, 2021, and was directed by Salima Koroma.

The documentary explores the history of the prosperous African-American community of Greenwood, which was also known as the Black Wall Street. Greenwood was a thriving business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma and was home to many black-owned businesses including restaurants, theaters, hotels and other successful enterprises. However, on May 31 and June 1, 1921, a white mob destroyed the community in one of the deadliest race massacres in US history. This event is often referred to as the Tulsa Race Riot, but it was so much more.

The documentary features interviews with survivors of the tragedy, their family members, historians and experts on Tulsa's history. It provides a powerful and vivid account of the horrific events that unfolded. The film also includes archival footage, photographs, and documents that provide a window into the events that led up to the riot and the aftermath of the destruction.

Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street examines the racial tensions and economic disparities that led to the massacre. It also explores the resilience of the community and their efforts to rebuild and recover in the aftermath of the violence. Through interviews with descendants of the Greenwood community, the film captures the spirit and determination of those who refused to be defeated by the events of 1921.

The documentary is anchored by the compelling storytelling of Alicia Odewale, Hannibal Johnson, and Kary Stacklebeck. They provide a historical and contextual framework for the events of 1921 and offer insights into the broader implications of the massacre. The filmmakers use a combination of voiceovers, interviews, and archival footage to create a powerful narrative that is both informative and emotionally impactful.

One of the most striking aspects of Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street is its portrayal of the destruction of Greenwood. The filmmakers use a combination of footage and photographs to show the scale of the devastation. They also interview survivors who describe the horror of what happened in visceral detail. The documentary forces viewers to confront the brutality of the events and recognizes the legacy of trauma experienced by survivors and their descendants.

The film also highlights the broader implications of the Tulsa Race Massacre. It explores the ways in which the massacre was covered up and forgotten for decades, before resurfacing in popular culture in recent years. The filmmakers also draw connections between the events of 1921 and current issues of racial injustice and economic inequality.

Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street is a powerful and important film that sheds new light on a tragic chapter in American history. It offers an unflinching look at the events of 1921 and the lasting impact they had on the victims and their families. The documentary is a call to action for all viewers to confront the legacy of racial violence in America and work towards a more just and equitable future.

In conclusion, Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street is a must-see documentary that tells the story of a thriving community that was destroyed by racism and greed. It offers a valuable and necessary perspective on an often-overlooked aspect of American history and is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complex history of race and inequality in America.