John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park

John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, located at 321 N. Detroit Ave. in Tulsa, Oklahoma, serves as a National Literary Landmark dedicated to the memory of the esteemed historian Dr. John Hope Franklin. The park was established to commemorate the tragic events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot, widely regarded as one of the worst civic disturbances in American history. It aims to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans to Oklahoma's history and promote reconciliation within the community.

The park was officially dedicated as a Literary Landmark on May 31, 2018. The ceremony featured a memorial walk from the corner of Archer Street and Greenwood Avenue to the park, where community members and dignitaries gathered to express their appreciation for Dr. Franklin's legacy. The event included a prayerful welcome and a proclamation from the state of Oklahoma.

Conceived as part of the 2001 Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot, John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park features a series of bronze sculptures crafted by renowned sculptor Ed Dwight. The park's entrance, known as Hope Plaza, boasts a striking 16-foot granite structure adorned with three larger-than-life bronze figures that confront the emotional weight of the 1921 riot. These sculptures depict scenes of hostility, humiliation, and hope, symbolizing the complexities of that historical moment.

At the center of the park stands the Tower of Reconciliation, a 26-foot memorial that chronicles the African American struggle from enslavement to statehood. The tower reflects key historical milestones, including the migration of enslaved individuals with Native Americans during the Trail of Tears and the establishment of All-Black towns. It honors significant figures in Tulsa's African American history, such as Buck Colbert Franklin, the father of Dr. Franklin, and other local leaders.

In line with the tradition of memorializing tragic events, the park gives voice to the often-overlooked narrative of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot while celebrating the vital role of African Americans in shaping Oklahoma's identity. The park also offers docent-led tours, providing insight into the history of the massacre, the migration of African Americans and Native Americans, and the significance of the Greenwood Historic District, often referred to as Black Wall Street. These guided tours are designed to educate visitors about the region's rich yet complicated history.