Oklahoma on Friday began a centennial remembrance of a once-thriving African American neighborhood in Tulsa decimated by deadly white violence that has received growing recognition during the US’ reckoning over police brutality and racial violence.

Emmy Award-winning actress and Tulsa native Alfre Woodard and US Senator James Lankford delivered remarks via video to a small crowd that gathered in chilly, snowy weather at the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park.

Oklahoma State Senator Kevin Matthews, who represents the North Tulsa area where the massacre happened 100 years ago, said that the park, named in honor of Oklahoma native and noted US historian John