May 27, 2025 Story by: Publisher
A bipartisan bill creating a national monument honoring a race massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed the Senate.
S. 1051, sponsored by Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford and New Jersey Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, create the “Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument” passed by unanimous consent.
Commemorating a Tragic History
The Greenwood District, once known as “Black Wall Street,” was a thriving African American business community in the early 20th century. On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a white mob attacked the district, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 300 Black residents and the destruction of over 1,000 homes and businesses. The massacre decimated what had been one of the most prosperous Black communities in the United States.
Legislative Details
The bill, co-sponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, the legislation would authorize the National Park Service to designate the monument’s boundaries within the Greenwood area. Importantly, the bill stipulates that land for the monument can only be acquired through donations, exchanges, or purchases from willing sellers, ensuring that private property rights are respected.
Senator Lankford emphasized the significance of the monument, stating, “It’s a scar on our nation’s history and on my state’s history, but it’s an era that we remember for a reason. Because we know how far we’ve come.”
Community Impact and Next Steps
The establishment of the national monument is seen as a vital step in acknowledging and educating the public about the atrocities committed during the Tulsa Race Massacre. It also serves to honor the resilience of the Greenwood community, which rebuilt much of the district in the years following the massacre, despite facing significant opposition and systemic challenges.
The bill’s passage in the Senate comes just days before the 104th anniversary of the massacre, aligning with the annual Black Wall Street Legacy Festival, which commemorates the history and legacy of the Greenwood District.
If the House approves the bill and it is signed into law by the President, the National Park Service will proceed with the formal establishment of the monument, ensuring that the events of 1921 and the spirit of Black Wall Street are preserved for future generations.
Source: News 9 / Congress.gov
