Violent Utopia: Dispossession and Black Restoration in Tulsa

Jovan Scott Lewis' book "Violent Utopia" explores the history and aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, highlighting how it curtailed freedom and built prosperity in Black Wall Street. He shows how anti-Black racism, segregation, and dispossession shaped Tulsa's history, and how the massacre and urban renewal perpetuated intergenerational poverty. Black Tulsans must reconcile this double inheritance and work to rebuild resources for self-determination while honoring Greenwood's legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: Duke University Press

In his book "Violent Utopia," Jovan Scott Lewis delves into the history and aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, shedding light on the significant events that shaped the lives of Black people in Oklahoma Indian Territory and their ongoing efforts to rebuild prosperity. Lewis emphasizes the devastating impact of the massacre in Tulsa's Greenwood neighborhood, known as Black Wall Street, on the freedom and opportunities that had been established there. Instead of viewing the massacre as a standalone incident, Lewis contextualizes it within a broader historical and social framework of pervasive anti-Black racism, segregation, and dispossession in Tulsa and beyond. He demonstrates how the processes that led to the massacre, subsequent urban renewal, and the perpetuation of intergenerational poverty through nonprofit interventions constitute a form of ongoing slow violence.

Black Tulsans, in their quest to reclaim resources for self-determination, face a challenging paradox. On the one hand, they inherit the violence and trauma inflicted by the massacre, which deeply scars their community. On the other hand, they also hold onto the historical legacy of freedom and prosperity that Greenwood represented. Their future is intricately linked to their geographical location, serving as the foundation upon which they can repair the damages and fulfill the promise of Greenwood.

Lewis' book offers a poignant exploration of the complex dynamics that have shaped the history and present-day reality of Black communities in Tulsa. It sheds light on the ongoing struggles and resilience of Black Tulsans as they navigate a landscape marked by historical injustice and ongoing challenges. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Lewis provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of race, history, and the ongoing fight for social justice.

In conclusion, "Violent Utopia" by Jovan Scott Lewis is a powerful and thought-provoking book that delves into the history and aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. Through his lens, Lewis highlights the ongoing struggles and resilience of Black Tulsans as they work towards rebuilding prosperity and fulfilling the legacy of Greenwood. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing historical injustices and the ongoing fight for social equality, and it provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that shape our society.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781478016014