Tulsa Unveils Monumentous Gateway Sculpture

Tulsa Unveils Monumentous Gateway SculptureTulsa Unveils Monumentous Gateway Sculpture Tulsa, Oklahoma, has unveiled an awe-inspiring gateway sculpture that serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience and its commitment to racial reconciliation. The sculpture, titled “The Healing Journey,” stands tall at the entrance to the Greenwood Cultural Center, a historic landmark in the heart of the Greenwood District. The History of Greenwood Greenwood was once a thriving African American community known as “Black Wall Street.” However, it was destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the most devastating incidents of racial violence in American history. Hundreds of Black residents were killed, and the district was burned to the ground. A Symbol of Healing The Healing Journey sculpture is designed to commemorate the resilience of the Greenwood community and to serve as a reminder of the horrors of the past. The sculpture depicts a large, bronze figure reaching out its hand to a child, symbolizing the process of healing and reconciliation. Artist’s Vision The sculpture was created by artist Ed Dwight, an accomplished painter and sculptor. Dwight drew inspiration from the stories of survivors of the massacre and their children. He wanted to create a work that would honor their experiences and inspire future generations. Gateway to the Future The Gateway Sculpture is located at the entrance to the Greenwood Cultural Center, which has become a vital institution in Tulsa. The center houses exhibits on the history of Greenwood, as well as programs and initiatives aimed at promoting education, economic development, and racial justice. Community Impact The unveiling of the Gateway Sculpture has been met with overwhelming positivity from the Tulsa community. Residents see it as a powerful symbol of their city’s history and its commitment to creating a more just and equitable future. National Importance The Healing Journey sculpture is not only a local landmark but also a work of national significance. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality in the United States and the importance of confronting and healing from the wounds of the past. As a gateway to the Greenwood Cultural Center, the Healing Journey sculpture serves as an invitation to learn about the history of racial injustice, to honor the resilience of those who have been impacted, and to work together to build a better future for all.