Tulsa Commission to Study Reparations for 1921 Massacre Victims
- Tulsa officials announce formation of a commission to recommend reparations for victims of 1921 race massacre.
- The commission will focus on how reparations can be made to the victims and their descendants.
- Efforts are underway to address the historical tragedy and its impact on the community.
Officials in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have announced the formation of a new commission tasked with recommending reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which devastated the city's Greenwood District, a prosperous Black community. The commission will review findings from a 2023 city report and a 2001 state commission report, both of which highlighted the massacre's impact, including the deaths of up to 300 Black residents and the destruction of homes and businesses. Mayor G.T. Bynum emphasized that reparations will likely include a housing equity program aimed at survivors, their descendants, and residents of north Tulsa. The Beyond Apology Commission's initial focus will be on creating this housing program, reflecting a broader understanding of reparations that extends beyond mere financial compensation. Bynum noted that the community views reparations as encompassing various forms of support, including educational opportunities, economic development, and healthcare improvements. The massacre, which occurred over two days in 1921, has long been a suppressed chapter in American history, resulting in the internment of thousands of Black residents by the National Guard. Support for the commission has been voiced by local leaders, including State Rep. Monroe Nichols, who called it a positive step toward addressing historical injustices. Nichols stressed the importance of focusing on practical areas such as home ownership and education. Meanwhile, advocates like Hall-Harper have expressed the need for financial payments as part of the reparations package, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the reparations discussion.