Symposium Highlights 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Legacy

Ryan Coogler’s film 'Sinners' has captivated American audiences with its blend of historical thriller and horror, set in Jim Crow-era Mississippi. The movie explores Black life in the 1930s, confronting both the terror of white supremacist violence and the enduring resilience, joy, and cultural creativity of Black communities. Critics highlight how the film uses vampires as allegories for systemic racism and oppression, with the true horror emerging not from supernatural threats but from the realities of racial exploitation, segregation, and the Ku Klux Klan. 'Sinners' weaves in the significance of Blues music, symbolizing both suffering and freedom, and utilizes gothic visuals and spiritual symbolism to deepen its social commentary. The narrative centers on two twins striving to open a juke joint, a historic symbol of Black sanctuary and cultural expression, further grounding the film in authentic Black history and memory. Through this approach, Coogler's film blurs the line between reality and fantasy, making a powerful statement on the persistence of racial trauma and the strength found in Black art and community.