Mural Commemorating Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Defaced by Vandals
### Vandalism of Tulsa’s “History in the Making” Mural Sparks Public Outcry
Oklahoma authorities are calling upon the public for assistance in identifying an individual responsible for the destruction of a mural commemorating the resilient history of Tulsa’s Greenwood district—better known as “Black Wall Street.” The mural, titled *History in the Making* (2021), was the target of a senseless act of vandalism at the end of October 2022, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage and a profound sense of grief within the local community.
Created by artist **Skip Hill** in collaboration with Tulsa graffiti artist **Chris “Sker” Rogers**, the colorful mural was commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the *1921 Tulsa Race Massacre*, a violent white supremacist attack that left an estimated 300 Black residents dead and destroyed one of the country’s most prosperous Black neighborhoods. The artwork pays tribute to Greenwood’s rich history and the community’s tenacity in rebuilding after the tragedy, despite systemic oppression.
#### The Act of Vandalism
On October 27, 2022, just after midnight, surveillance footage captured an individual defacing the mural. In the video, a person dressed in a dark hoodie and carrying an orange backpack can be seen peeling off sections of vinyl from the mural, leaving it shredded and marred with a horizontal gash across its surface.
Since the incident, the **Tulsa Police Department** has shared screenshots from the surveillance footage on their social media platforms, including **Facebook**, and is urging anyone with information to contact their Crime Stoppers unit. The damage left behind by the vandal remains a poignant scar on a piece of public art that has become a touchstone for local residents and tourists alike.
#### Mural’s Importance to the Greenwood District
Located at **111 North Greenwood Avenue**, the mural has been part of a movement to commemorate Greenwood’s legacy as home to Black entrepreneurs, community leaders, and veterans, many of whom were prominent figures before the 1921 massacre. *History in the Making* showcases important figures such as **Simon Berry**, a transportation entrepreneur who owned a biplane, appearing in the mural beside his aircraft. The artwork provides a vital connection to Greenwood’s past, all within a vibrant and accessible public space.
Commissioned by the Black-owned banking platform **Greenwood**, the mural has long served as a meaningful stop for visitors on local tours of North Tulsa. It’s also a popular site for residents, particularly families, to reflect on their community’s storied past. Artist Skip Hill, devastated by the vandalism, expressed sorrow over the impact of the attack, particularly on local children.
“What hurts me is when I think about the kids who would stand in front of it as their mom or dad take a picture of them,” Hill remarked in local media coverage. Charged with the task of restoring the mural, Hill is determined to mend the damage but has acknowledged the profound loss to the community.
#### The Legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
The Tulsa Race Massacre is one of the darkest chapters of racial violence in American history. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, white mobs, many fueled by membership in the Ku Klux Klan, attacked residents of Greenwood, a thriving cultural and economic hub. In less than 48 hours, more than 1,200 homes, businesses, and community spaces vanished. Despite immense loss, including irreplaceable property and lives, the Black community within Greenwood persevered, rebuilding their district against overwhelming odds.
The survivors and descendants of the massacre faced not only the physical devastation of their neighborhood but also systemic battlers from racist zoning laws and institutions. Insurance claims filed for damages were denied wholesale, and survivors were left to rebuild—with little to no financial support—on the ashes of massacred lives. Over the years, Greenwood’s story has been resurrected by numerous cultural and educational projects aimed at ensuring the resilience of this community and its history are never forgotten.
#### Call to Action
The vandalism of *History in the Making* serves as a gut-wrenching reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial justice in Tulsa and beyond. Community members and local authorities are working together to find the individual responsible for this act, while broader conversations continue on how to protect and honor spaces that commemorate America’s often-overlooked history of racial violence and resilience.
As of now, efforts are underway to restore the mural and continue educating future generations about the enduring legacy of the 1921 massacre. The powerful art that adorns the walls of Greenwood is more than a symbolic representation—it is an active reminder of history’s persistence in shaping both Tulsa’s past and its future.
If you have information related to the vandalism, please contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at (918) 596-COPS or submit an anonymous tip online.
#### Supporting Independent Arts and Historical Journalism
As we reflect on the significance of memorializing history through public art