Tulsa’s first Black mayor proposes $100 million trust for massacre reparations

Tulsa’s first Black mayor, Monroe Nichols IV, has put forth a groundbreaking proposal to create a $100 million private trust as part of a reparations plan for the impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre that occurred over a century ago. The trust aims to provide scholarships and housing for the descendants of those affected by the massacre, although it will not involve direct cash payments.

Mayor Nichols, who was elected in November, emphasized the importance of addressing the historical injustice of the massacre, which has been largely overlooked and marginalized in the city’s history. He highlighted the ongoing effects of redlining, discriminatory policies, and systemic underinvestment by local, state, and federal governments that have perpetuated inequality in Tulsa.

“The Tulsa Race Massacre has been a stain on our city’s history for 104 years,” Nichols stated. “It’s time to take significant steps towards restoration.”

The proposed charitable trust is expected to secure $105 million in assets, with the majority of funding already secured or committed by June 1, 2026. The City Council would need to approve the transfer of any city assets to the trust.

The plan outlines that $60 million of the funding will be allocated towards improving buildings and revitalizing the north side of the city, particularly the Greenwood District, once a prosperous center of Black commerce that was destroyed during the massacre.

Mayor Nichols stressed the significance of the Greenwood District, stating, “What was lost was not just something from North Tulsa or the Black community. It actually robbed Tulsa of an economic future that would have rivaled anywhere else in the world.”

This initiative comes on the heels of Rep. Summer Lee’s announcement of the Reparations Now Resolution, which calls for trillions of dollars in reparations for Black Americans to address the enduring legacy of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic discrimination. Both Mayor Nichols and Rep. Lee are advocating for substantive measures to address historical injustices and support the economic empowerment of Black communities.

As discussions around reparations continue to gain momentum, it is essential to acknowledge and rectify the deep-rooted inequities that persist in American society. The commitment to reparations represents a step towards healing and reconciliation, acknowledging the past to create a more just and equitable future for all.

Sources:
– Fox News
– Associated Press
– Getty Images

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