What sparked the violent escalation of events during the Tulsa Race Riot?

The violent escalation of events during the Tulsa Race Riot was primarily sparked by an accidental discharge of a firearm. This incident occurred on May 31, 1921, when a black man named Dick Rowland was accused of assaulting a white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator. Although the exact details of their interaction remain unclear, rumors and tensions quickly rose.

When a white mob gathered outside the courthouse demanding Rowland's lynching, a group of Black residents, concerned for his safety, sought to protect him. In the chaos, an accidental gunshot rang out, igniting further violence. This incident served as a trigger point that escalated the confrontation into widespread rioting, leading to significant property destruction and loss of life in Tulsa's Greenwood District.

Understanding this context is vital as it demonstrates how misunderstandings and rumors can escalate existing racial tensions into significant violence, impacting the community for generations.