IL SR0237

Illinois Senate expresses support for survivors of the 1921 Tulsa, Oklahoma race riot, in which the Greenwood Community was destroyed in less than 10 hours, displacing several thousand people and killing an estimated 300-3,000 persons

Acknowledges historian John Hope Franklin's efforts before his death to urge Congress to provide restitution to survivors, noting his father was among those displaced

Recognizes a benefit event scheduled for April 28, 2009 in Chicago to raise contributions for remaining survivors

Event will feature Harvard Professor Dr. Charles Ogletree providing historical context and three survivors (ages 91-105) sharing personal accounts of the tragedy in Greenwood

Senate directs presentation of suitable copies of this resolution to survivors as a symbol of support