Beyond Tulsa: Remembering Black Massacres — Why Our New Conscious Apparel Jersey Exists
- noneedtorush333
- Jan 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4
The thought behind this particular piece of apparel came from a conversation I had with an older white gentleman. He asked me about the significance of the names and dates on the Conscious Apparel Logo. I should mention he was around 65 or 70 and had been led to believe, like many others, that Tulsa, Oklahoma's "Black Wall Street" was just one stain on American history. Imagine his surprise when I educated him about the countless Black communities and towns that were destroyed after the abolishment of slavery. There are so many that the names and dates on my logo are just a fraction of the total. I let him know that there was more than one Tulsa. The beauty of it? I showed him how easy it was to type a name and date into his search bar and access the information. Apparel Activism, Reach One / Teach One.
The Importance of Remembering Our History
When people talk about racial violence in America, the 1921 Tulsa Massacre often stands out — and for good reason. It remains one of the most devastating acts of white supremacist terrorism in U.S. history. It destroyed over 35 blocks of the prosperous Greenwood District, known as Black Wall Street, and left as many as 300 Black residents dead.
But here’s the truth we don’t hear nearly enough: Tulsa was not the only massacre. Not even close. Across the late 1800s and early 1900s, Black communities faced coordinated attacks, mass killings, and violent expulsions. Many of these events were buried, denied, or erased from textbooks for generations. The Tulsa Massacre was just one of many such events in U.S. history.
At Conscious Apparel, we believe remembering these stories isn’t optional — it’s essential. Especially now, as we see the removal of many historical Black events and achievements from public institutions across the nation. It’s up to us to educate ourselves and not rely solely on what’s presented to us. That’s why we created our new “More Than One” Jersey. This piece is designed not just for style but for truth-telling. I chose the jersey style over a traditional tee because I wanted it to stand out and be versatile enough for any occasion.
I’ve started making it a point to include a blog post with each Conscious Apparel piece. This way, you get a little background on what inspired the creation and the history behind it. We love making a statement without saying a word, but I want to arm you with knowledge. When someone asks about the piece you’re wearing, you can pass that knowledge along.
Now, back to the knowledge!!!
Tulsa Was One Chapter in a Much Larger Story
Here are just a few of the many massacres that history often overlooks:
Colfax, Louisiana (1873)
More than 80 Black men were killed when white mobs attacked a courthouse where Black citizens were defending the results of a local election.
Wilmington, North Carolina (1898)
This was the only successful coup d’état on U.S. soil. White supremacists overthrew a multiracial government, killed dozens of Black residents, and burned Black-owned businesses.
Elaine, Arkansas (1919)
One of the deadliest racial massacres in U.S. history. Over 200 Black sharecroppers and their families were slaughtered for organizing a labor union.
Washington, D.C. (1919)
White mobs hunted Black residents for nearly a week after false accusations spread through the city.
Ocoee, Florida (1920)
Black residents attempting to vote were met with mob violence, killings, and the destruction of their homes and churches — just miles from where many of us live today.
These events — and many more — form a pattern, not an anomaly. Tulsa was horrific, but it was not unique. And that’s exactly why remembering matters.
Why Conscious Apparel Created the “More Than One” Jersey
Fashion can be empty — or it can be powerful. We choose powerful. Our new jersey is designed to spark conversation, honor the victims, and challenge the silence that has surrounded these massacres for decades. It’s not about guilt. It’s about awareness, truth, and legacy.
Every stitch is a reminder that:
Black communities built prosperity even in the face of terror.
Those communities were repeatedly targeted and destroyed.
Their stories deserve to be told — loudly, proudly, and accurately.
Wearing this jersey means you’re choosing to stand with history, not hide from it.
Why This Matters Today
Many of these massacres were intentionally erased from public memory. Records were destroyed. Survivors were silenced. Textbooks ignored them. Even the Tulsa Massacre itself was barely mentioned in mainstream history until the late 1990s.
But silence is a form of violence too. By learning, remembering, and speaking these truths, we help ensure that the lives lost — and the communities destroyed — are never forgotten again.
Join the Movement
The Conscious Apparel “Never Forget” Jersey isn’t just clothing. It’s a statement. A conversation starter. A refusal to let history be rewritten or erased. If you believe in truth, justice, and honoring the legacy of Black resilience, this jersey was made for you.
The Legacy We Carry Forward
As we wear our “More Than One” Jersey, let’s remember that each piece carries a story. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about honoring those who came before us. It’s about acknowledging their struggles and celebrating their triumphs.
When I wear my jersey, I feel a connection to those who fought for their rights. I feel empowered to share their stories. And I hope you do too.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s educate ourselves and others. Together, we can ensure that these stories are never forgotten. Together, we can make a difference.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to wear your history with pride?
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