OK HR1040

Oklahoma Legislature recognizes the events of May 31-June 1, 1921, as the "Tulsa Race Massacre," in which white mobs killed approximately 300 Black residents, destroyed roughly 1,256 houses and 200 businesses in the Greenwood district (Black Wall Street).

Resolution acknowledges three surviving victims: Mrs. Viola Ford Fletcher (age 107), Mrs. Lessie Benningfield Randle (age 106), and Mr. Hughes Van Ellis (age 100), who continue to seek justice.

Resolution references the 2000 Tulsa Race Riot Commission report, which recommended direct reparations to survivors and descendants, a scholarship fund for affected students, an economic development enterprise zone in Greenwood, and a memorial for reburial of unmarked grave victims.

Legislature finds that City of Tulsa and State of Oklahoma, through National Guard and law enforcement actions or omissions, contributed to losses sustained by Black persons, and that victims were denied equal access to the justice system for relief.

Legislature requests consideration of remedies available to survivors and descendants of victims who suffered violent acts and property destruction.