The Untold Story of Black Wall Street’s Chiropractor Dr. A.C. Harper
Introduction
Black Wall Street, the thriving Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was once a beacon of Black excellence, filled with successful businesses, professionals, and a thriving community. But in 1921, this prosperity was violently erased during the Tulsa Race Massacre. While many know the story of Black Wall Street’s destruction, fewer have heard about Dr. A.C. Harper, a Black chiropractor whose practice was lost in the flames. His presence in the early days of chiropractic, a profession still in its infancy at the time, was groundbreaking.
Discovering Dr. A.C. Harper
A few days ago, I was watching a news report about the Tulsa Race Massacre when something caught my eye a plaque honoring Dr. Harper, a chiropractor whose business was destroyed in the massacre. Seeing his name there shocked me. I couldn’t believe there was a Black chiropractor practicing at that time, as chiropractic was only beginning to gain recognition. Yet, Dr. Harper had already established his clinic, offering care to a community that had limited access to healthcare.
The Tulsa Race Massacre and Its Impact
On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a mob, driven by racial hatred and false accusations, set fire to Black Wall Street. Homes, businesses, and healthcare practices, including Dr. Harper’s, were looted and burned to the ground. The massacre left hundreds dead and thousands homeless, wiping out generations of Black wealth and success. The destruction of healthcare offices like Dr. Harper’s meant that even the injured survivors had nowhere to turn for care.
The Legacy of Black Healthcare Professionals
Dr. Harper’s story is one of many that history nearly erased. Black chiropractors and other healthcare professionals faced not only racism but also the challenges of establishing themselves in a new field. Despite these obstacles, they persisted, paving the way for future generations. Today, Black chiropractors continue to build on this legacy, bringing care to communities that need it the most.
Conclusion
Seeing Dr. Harper’s name on that plaque was a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of Black healthcare pioneers. His story, like so many others from Black Wall Street, deserves to be remembered and honored. The loss of his clinic was not just a personal tragedy but a blow to an entire community that relied on his care. As we reflect on the past, we must continue to uplift and support Black professionals in healthcare, ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.
Dr. YOLARIS GARCIA MS, DC, MBA
Dr. Garcia, is a dedicated Chiropractor originally from the Dominican Republic, founded Awesome Chiropractic Center in 2009 soon after graduating college. Her motivation was the desire to provide patient-centered care without insurance driven constraints and time limitations. Committed to fostering a pain-free North Miami and beyond, her compassionate approach stems from a genuine love for her patients, treating each individual as an extended family member.
