The Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher chapter of the Black Law Student Association hosted an event showcasing the film, “Before They Die” a documentary about the struggle of the survivors of the Tulsa Race Riot.

“We wanted to show this film, because it is Black History Month, and we wanted to raise awareness of their story. Because, what we’ve found out is that there are many native Oklahomans who don’t know about this event that transpired in 1921,” said Christopher Staine, Black Law Student Association president.

The night started with an alumni reception, extending appreciation to past black law students who paved the way for students like Staine, to host events like these.

The audience was then moved into the Dick Bell Courtroom of Courts Hall, greeted by the co-producer of the film, Reginald Turner, along with OU alumnus, and member of the Tulsa Race Riot Survivor Legal Team, Damario Solomon-Simmons.

“You’re not going to enjoy this film,” said Turner, “This is what I like to call edu-tainment”

The audience suddenly understood Turner’s precaution, as their eyes filled with tears and their anger emerged.

The documentary followed the survivors and their legal team on their quest to gain some form of endowment and justice from the effects of the Tulsa Race Riot. The film showed a never-ending battle of court cases, lawsuits and dead bills.

The name of the movie, “Before They Die,” was an urgent plea from Turner to do something before the survivors’ die, and their testimonies are never heard of again. When the lawsuit was filed in 2001 more than 100 survivors still lived; as of Friday morning the number of survivors have dwindled into the 40s.

After the movie was shown an emotional audience addressed questions to Turner and Simmons. Most of the audience’s concern was there are people born and raised in Oklahoma that know nothing about the Tulsa Race Riot. Most students wanted to know what they could do to help raise awareness about the struggles of the survivors.

“There are three things the students of OU can do to raise awareness of this issue,” said Solomon, “The first is to educate yourself, and once you’ve educated yourself educate your friends, roommates and colleagues. And thirdly, participate in the movement.”

Students and alumni discussed how important events like these are for the OU community. “This raises awareness for the students, faculty and staff,” said Elizabeth Thomas, graduate of the OU Law School, “This is important to not only African- American history, but Oklahoma history as well. This shows us that we can do something to motivate change.”

A charge was made by Turner to the students of OU to have a responsibility to share their knowledge: “As students you come here to be educated, the fact that you’ve been taught gives you the responsibility to go out into the world and teach others.”