Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hanks has garnered support and praise for his article in the New York Times calling on the significance of the Tulsa Massacre to be acknowledged both in history and school curriculums in the United States.

Hanks, hailed as one of the best actors of his generation with a slew of hit movies writes in part, “Our nation’s schools should stop the battle to whitewash curriculums to avoid discomfort for students. America’s history is messy but knowing that makes us a wiser and stronger people.”

In 1921 a white mob burned down what was known as “ Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, killing some 300 people. It was an act act of evil and hate.

Last week was the centenary of a massacre targeting Tulsa’s prosperous African-American community in the district of Greenwood.

After a black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, an allegation that was never proven, white rioters gunned down blacks, looted homes and set fire to buildings block by block.

More than 1000 buildings were destroyed.

Hanks who starred in the blockbusters Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan went on to say not enough about African-American history is taught in United States schools.