The name Buck Colbert Franklin might not be as widely recognized as some other figures in American history, but his story is one of profound resilience, unwavering determination, and an enduring fight for justice in the face of unimaginable adversity. A Black lawyer who not only survived the horrific 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre but also played a pivotal role in its aftermath, Franklin's legacy serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of civil rights.
Who Was Buck Colbert Franklin?
Born in 1879 in Homer, Oklahoma, Buck Colbert Franklin's early life was marked by a commitment to education and a burgeoning sense of social justice. He was a member of the Chickasaw Nation and attended both the Dawes Academy and Roger Williams University. After teaching for a period, he pursued his legal aspirations, graduating from the American Central Law School in Indianapolis in 1907. He practiced law in various Oklahoma towns before eventually settling in Tulsa in 1921, drawn by the vibrant and prosperous Black community known as "Black Wall Street" in the Greenwood district.
Franklin quickly established himself as a respected lawyer, building a practice that served the thriving Black community. He was a keen observer of the racial tensions simmering beneath the surface of Tulsa, but he, like many others, could not have predicted the inferno that was about to engulf their lives.
Surviving the Tulsa Race Massacre
On May 31, 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre erupted, triggered by a false accusation against a Black man. What followed was a brutal and systematic attack on the Greenwood district by white mobs, supported by local authorities. Homes were looted and burned, businesses were destroyed, and countless lives were lost. Buck Franklin, like thousands of other Black residents, witnessed the horrifying destruction firsthand.
In a powerful and harrowing affidavit, Franklin recounted his experiences during the massacre: "I saw the smoke. I saw the flames. I saw the airplanes circling in the sky and the bombs falling." He described being rounded up with other Black men and held in a detention camp, witnessing the systematic dismantling of everything he and his community had built. His own law office, along with countless other Black-owned businesses, was reduced to ashes.
A Legacy Forged in Fire: Rebuilding and Fighting for Justice
Despite losing nearly everything, Buck Franklin refused to be defeated. In the immediate aftermath of the massacre, he set up a makeshift law office in a tent amidst the rubble, offering legal aid and support to his devastated community. He became a crucial figure in the legal battle that ensued, representing victims who sought compensation for their losses.
Franklin understood that the destruction of Greenwood was not merely a random act of violence but a calculated attempt to dismantle a successful Black community. He tirelessly fought for the rights of Black Tulsans, challenging discriminatory practices and advocating for reparations. His legal work laid the groundwork for future civil rights activism and helped to bring national attention to the injustices faced by Black Americans.
Beyond his legal work, Franklin was also a dedicated community leader, actively involved in the rebuilding efforts of Greenwood. He believed deeply in the power of education and empowerment, working to ensure that the spirit of Black Wall Street would not be extinguished.
Buck Colbert Franklin's legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as:
A Survivor: His ability to endure such a horrific event and immediately begin rebuilding is a testament to his strength.
A Champion of Justice: He fearlessly pursued legal recourse for the victims of the massacre, setting a precedent for civil rights litigation.
A Community Builder: He played a vital role in the physical and emotional recovery of the Greenwood district.
A Voice for the Voiceless: His powerful testimonies and legal arguments helped to expose the truth of the massacre to a wider audience.
His son, John Hope Franklin, went on to become one of the most distinguished historians of the 20th century, undoubtedly influenced by his father's experiences and commitment to telling the stories of Black Americans.
Sources and Further Reading:
Buck Colbert Franklin's Affidavit: A digitized copy of Franklin's powerful affidavit recounting his experiences during the massacre can be found on the Oklahoma Historical Society's website:
Oklahoma Historical Society Tulsa Race Massacre Commission Report: For a comprehensive understanding of the events, consult the official report:
Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 John Hope Franklin Center at Duke University: Provides extensive resources on the life and legacy of Buck Colbert Franklin and his son:
John Hope Franklin Center The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission: For current information and ongoing efforts related to the massacre:
Tulsa Race Massacre Commission
Buck Colbert Franklin's story is a crucial chapter in American history, reminding us of the systemic injustices of the past and the enduring fight for equality. His courage and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire us today.
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Buck Colbert Franklin was a Black lawyer who survived the 1921 Tulsa race riots and fought won in the court on the behalf of other survivors. pic.twitter.com/vDZIkYOwdW
— AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY (@AfricanArchives) February 22, 2026
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