News Summary

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols has declared June 1 as Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day, honoring the victims of the 1921 racially motivated attack. The observance encourages community engagement in discussions about its historical impact, coinciding with renewed calls for reparations. Mayor Nichols aims to collaborate with community organizations to address historical racial inequities and plans to unveil a reparative justice initiative soon.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Newly elected Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols has officially designated June 1 as Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day through an executive order. This day is intended to honor the victims of a racially motivated attack that occurred between May 31 and June 1 in 1921, which devastated the Greenwood community of Tulsa.

The massacre resulted in the deaths of over 300 Black men, women, and children, as a deputized White mob violently targeted this prosperous community, often referred to as “Black Wall Street.” This observance aims to both commemorate those who lost their lives during this tragic event and promote discussions about its lasting impact on the community.

Commemoration Initiatives

Mayor Nichols announced that the observance will serve as an opportunity for residents, schools, businesses, and organizations to engage in activities and discussions related to the significance of the day. Local community members have been honoring the anniversary of the massacre for decades, preserving the memory of the victims and educating others about this dark chapter in the city’s history.

Call for Reparations

The 2001 state report recommended reparations for survivors of the massacre, a proposal that has remained unaddressed by city officials until now. Recently, community leaders presented a package of reparations proposals, calling not only for the establishment of June 1 as an official city holiday but also suggesting the creation of a trauma level one hospital in North Tulsa, direct payments to survivors, contracting preferences for the descendants of survivors, and scholarship programs aimed at supporting the community.

In light of these proposals, Mayor Nichols expressed his intention to collaborate with organizations such as Justice for Greenwood and other community stakeholders to implement aspects of this reparations plan, recognizing the need to address historical racial inequities in Tulsa.

Legacy and Importance of Acknowledgment

The mayor’s announcement marks a crucial step towards recognizing the historical impact of the massacre on the community and underscores the importance of healing and unity in Tulsa. The last two known living survivors of the massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, both of whom are now 110 years old, have consistently advocated for reparations, facing multiple legal challenges in their pursuit of justice.

Mayor Nichols emphasized the need for current residents to recognize the events and their implications, affirming that it is up to this generation of Tulsans to find a united path forward.

Future Actions

As part of the broader initiative to address the impacts of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Mayor Nichols plans to unveil a comprehensive plan for reparative justice in the coming weeks, laying out concrete steps toward acknowledging the past and fostering reconciliation within the community. This marks a significant commitment to ensure that the memory of those affected by the massacre is preserved and honored while working towards a more equitable future for Tulsa.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lander University Hosts 15th Annual Film Festival
Voice Acting Lecture by Cristina Milizia at Lander University
February Events Unveiled in Greenwood
Self Family Foundation Awards Over $300,000 to Greenwood

Additional Resources

• The Black Wall Street Times
• Wikipedia: Tulsa Race Massacre
• Arizona Foothills Magazine
• Google Search: Tulsa Race Massacre
• The Jerusalem Post
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tulsa Race Massacre