Reuben Gant & Michael Pegues: Stop stalling on Black Wall Street National Monument Act
OpEd by Reuben Gant & Michael Pegues
Originally appeared on Tulsa World Opinion Section – Sunday, January 26, 2025
An aeriel view shows the destruction of several blocks of the Greenwood District following the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Courtesy, Ruth Sigler
The U.S. Department of Justice on Jan. 9 issued the results of its review and evaluation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It’s an official governmental record setting forth a detailed account of dates and names that led to the massacre. U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division summarizes the report by proclaiming that the “Tulsa Race Massacre stands out as a civil rights crime unique in its magnitude, barbarity, racist hostility and its utter annihilation of a thriving Black community.” The report is further evidence that Senate Bill 3543 (Historic Greenwood District — Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act) should be passed by Congress and signed into law. The establishment of the Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument offers a pathway to recognition, remembrance and reconciliation.
The report of the tragic events of May 31 and June 1, 1921, in our city reminds us of the lessons that the past can teach us about injustice, reconciliation and civil rights. The brutal massacre against our Greenwood District stands as a stark reminder of the racial tensions and systemic failures of that time.
Today, our community should continue to strive to promote justice and community healing. Understanding the context of the Tulsa massacre is vital to this effort.
In 1921, the Greenwood District was a prosperous and vibrant Black community that showcased unrelenting resilience and indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. Unfortunately, this success met with envy, leading to one of the most horrific acts of racial violence in U.S. history. This atrocity unfolded without accountability.
The existing laws were not only limited but also were seldom enforced, leaving victims with little recourse for justice.
The report outlines the glaring lack of judicial intervention following the tragedy. Local authorities failed to adequately pursue accountability as evidenced by a Tulsa grand jury exonerating many white perpetrators of the massacre. Federal prosecutors at the time may have considered charges under the narrowly defined civil rights statutes; however, historical context suggests that they either chose not to act or faced significant limitations.
This lack of action raises questions about the decision-making processes that governed the response to racial violence and the system’s inherent biases that often shielded criminals from accountability.
While the statute of limitations has expired on these historical offenses and many of the perpetrators have since passed away, this does not diminish the importance of acknowledging the past.
The establishment of the Historic Greenwood District — Black Wall Street National Monument serves as a critical step toward recognition and commemoration, providing a space for education, reflection and the opportunity to pursue economic development.
By confronting history with honesty and sincerity, we can foster a deeper understanding of the injustices faced by our Black community and work toward healing the wounds that persist. Moreover, engaging in this dialogue provides an opportunity for present-day society to reflect on its values and priorities.
Historical injustices should challenge us to consider how we address modern issues of racial inequality and violence.
The legacy of the Historic Greenwood District and the 1921 Tulsa Massacre requires a concerted effort to acknowledge, educate and engage with our history. The initiatives led by the Dr. John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation and its assistance, along with other north Tulsa groups, in securing the passage of SB 3543 (the Historic Greenwood District — Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act) will not only lead to remembering the past but will also serve as a foundation for a more equitable future.
Engaging with history enables us to confront the biases that have persisted over generations and strive for a society where reconciliation, trust and justice can flourish. By doing so, we honor the memories of those who suffered and lay groundwork for the generations to come.
Reuben Gant is the executive director of the John Hope Franklin Center for reconciliation, and Michael Pegues is its board president.