Title: July 2nd - 13:30
Medium: Super-8 film
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Resolution: 2880 x 2160
File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4.
Comments: We arrived to Tulsa. I heard about this town through Larry Clarks original photography series in art school. It was a quiet town with many thrift shops lining up the roadway. Good ol' Route 66. Our intention was to learn more about what had happened to Black Wall Street and made our way over to Vernon Church. Ethan's mother had met the priest before and suggested we go find him there. And so we went. I noticed all the beautiful street art that distinguished the cultural neighborhood and history. We parked in the lot right across the street from the church. It was a Sunday service so church was in session. Ethan and I mustered up the courage to get out of the car and go inside. I saw a man in the parking lot in a pink suit parked next to us. I said good morning and asked if it was okay if we go inside. He shook our hands and said to follow him in. We were led by an angel. Once inside he introduced us to the pastor. Church service had concluded so everyone inside was saying hello, goodbye, hallelujah and god bless! It felt awkward being the only white jewish boys in the African methodist church standing patiently and quietly in the corner of the lobby by the stairs, but at the same time it also felt so right... with deep respect to their faith and an earnest understanding for these lovely people. A woman name Francetta came right up to us and asked if we would like a tour of the church. We excitedly said yes mam'. She showed us around the entire building, while teaching us the truth and horrors of the The Tulsa Race Massacre. The Historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1905 and the basement of the current edifice was built in 1919. During the worst race massacre in American history, the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, the superstructure, parsonage, and sanctuary still under-construction were destroyed but the basement remained as a symbol of God's persevering power. The congregation completed the current sanctuary in 1925. In fact, Vernon AME Church is the only intact, standing black-owned structure that remains from the Historic Black Wall Street era. We were horrified to hear what had occurred here a hundred years ago. I remember vividly in the basement of the building she showed us where the fire had been burning and bullet holes in the bricks. Ethan and I cried for the grief and pain that was endured here. The discrimination and blame was worse than anything imaginable, it was a literal overnight war on American soil, a terrible tragedy. The white folks in town were so envious of the success of the African Americans and jealous of their economic boom in their circular economy, they instigated a riot and it turned into a catastrophe for the black community. Ethan and I were devastated in learning what had happened here as they do not teach us this in history class. We felt ashamed, hurt, and distraught that these wonderful people had endured so much agony as they just wanted to live their lives in peace amongst one another. To provide and support their brothers and sisters, who had escaped the slave trade and were making a fruitful life for themselves. Francetta brought us outside to meet the pastor, Ketih. Before saying goodbye I shared with them about the art project we were working on and felt as if it was our duty to document them with their church. A way to honor them, their faith, and families. They joined hands and prayed. We prayed with them. God bless us all. Keith and Ain went inside and Francetta took us around the block, while she told us her story on how she became the first female pastor in town. She invited us to be on her radio show that was recorded live every week. We were happy to be a participate. We went upstairs in a building nearby and sat with her while she set up on the radio. Then, another guest rolled through for a meeting, and I thought this was our cue to leave. So we provided Francetta a donation to the church after her kind walkthrough and a big hug goodbye.
