Monterey Bay F.C. and FC Tulsa Share Moment of Unity and Remembrance at Black Wall Street Memorial Before Match in Oklahoma
October 13, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Monterey Bay FC News Release
TULSA, Oklahoma – Prior to last night’s match in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Monterey Bay Football Club and fellow USL Championship club FC Tulsa walked side by side on the Pathway To Hope to the Black Wall Street Memorial in a moment of unity, remembrance, and education for all involved.
“It was an impactful and important experience,” explained Monterey Bay F.C. captain and defender Hugh Roberts. “Keeping in mind everything that transpired over the past week, it’s important for all races to come together and educate themselves on the history and struggles that their teammates may be going through. I have heard about this memorial in the past and have always wanted to see it. It was impactful. I could feel the history of my people there and sometimes just experiencing things first hand can completely open your mind, giving you a better understanding and more empathy to the issue.”
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. The Greenwood District in Tulsa, known as Black Wall Street, was home to hundreds of Black-owned businesses. When the questionable arrest of a young black man named Dick Rowland took place in the area on May 31, 1921, tensions flared between black and white armed mobs outside of the local courthouse before shots were fired. Outnumbered, African Americans were forced to retreat to the Greenwood District. Just twenty four hours later, the district was left almost entirely in ruins, burned to the ground by white rioters, and as many as 300 people may have died.
“After a tough week, it was difficult to see all of that,” said Monterey Bay F.C. midfielder Simon Dawkins. “It was history that I had learned about before, but to be there and experience it, it was definitely good for me to see. It touched me to my heart because it was black people that went through that struggle. And to actually be there, it took me by surprise. I didn’t think it would impact me the way it did. For me it was good to see and especially after the week we’ve had, it was important for us and Tulsa to come together. For anybody who didn’t know the history behind that memorial, it was good for them to experience it as well.”
The night’s events resonated with FC Tulsa’s staff and players as well. “Yesterday’s Walk of Hope demonstrated our solidarity in the fight against racism,” said Bradley Bourgeois, defender and captain for FC Tulsa. “Awareness is always important, but action is what makes change.”
Before the walk, FC Tulsa provided t-shirts to each player and staff member from both clubs with the message ‘United Against Racism’ written across the front of the shirt. Both teams wore these shirts on the walk and for pregame warm-ups. Then, moments before the match began, players from both sides stood in solidarity around the center circle at the middle of the pitch.
“The experience on the walk was really emotional. For the clubs to come together like we did, it had nothing to do with soccer. We prioritized the human side of all of this, and it was important for us to do that,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “Overall, the night was really well done by FC Tulsa, we really appreciated it. It was a strong message and an emotional night.”
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