1. According to the article, the Tulsa massacre "lay hidden for decades" due to deliberate efforts to suppress and cover up the events. Many witnesses were silenced, evidence was destroyed, and a climate of fear prevented the truth from being exposed. Additionally, the massacre was not widely reported or acknowledged by mainstream media and history books, further contributing to its hidden nature.
2. Tulsans like Chief Amusan considered it important to form an oversight committee for investigation into the massacre because they recognized the need for justice, accountability, and healing. They understood that acknowledging and addressing the truth of the past was crucial for reconciliation and preventing similar incidents from happening again. By forming an oversight committee, they aimed to bring the truth to light and ensure that the voices of the survivors and their descendants were heard.
3. The article highlights the ongoing impact of the massacre for Black Tulsans, including intergenerational trauma, economic disparities, and the loss of generational wealth. It mentions how the destruction of the prosperous Greenwood District had long-lasting effects on the Black community in Tulsa. Additionally, the psychological scars and distrust resulting from the massacre continue to shape the experiences and opportunities of Black Tulsans today. An unmentioned impact might be the enduring sense of injustice and the fight for reparations and systemic changes to address the historical and ongoing racial inequalities stemming from the massacre.