New Legislation Introduced: The Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act
On July 16, 2025, at 10:28 AM, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) made available a significant piece of legislation, H.R. 4228, officially titled the “Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act.” This bill, introduced in its “Introduced” (IH) form, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and address the profound injustices of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
The Tulsa Race Massacre, a horrific event that occurred over 31 hours in late May and early June of 1921, saw a white mob attack the affluent African American community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as “Black Wall Street.” The violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents, the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses, and the displacement of countless survivors. For decades, the full extent of this atrocity and its devastating impact was suppressed, leaving survivors and their descendants seeking recognition and reparations.
The introduction of the “Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act” signifies a renewed commitment by lawmakers to confront this dark chapter of American history. While specific details of the bill’s provisions will become clearer as it progresses through the legislative process, its very title suggests a focus on providing justice for those who are still alive and directly experienced the aftermath of the massacre, as well as their immediate descendants.
This legislation has the potential to address various aspects of the historical harm inflicted upon the Tulsa community. This could include measures aimed at:
- Recognition and Memorialization: Establishing federal recognition of the massacre and potentially supporting the creation or enhancement of memorials and educational initiatives dedicated to preserving the memory and lessons of the event.
- Restorative Justice and Reparations: Exploring mechanisms for financial compensation, land return, or other forms of reparations to address the economic losses and generational wealth disparities caused by the destruction of Greenwood.
- Educational Initiatives: Funding programs to ensure that the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre is accurately taught and understood by future generations, fostering a more complete and honest account of American history.
- Community Support: Providing resources and support for the living survivors and their descendants to address ongoing social, economic, and health impacts stemming from the massacre.
The timing of this introduction, with its emphasis on “living survivors,” underscores the urgency felt by many to ensure that those who bore witness to this immense tragedy and its immediate consequences receive the acknowledgment and support they deserve. It is a testament to the persistent advocacy of descendants, historians, and community leaders who have worked tirelessly to bring this issue to the forefront of national attention.
The “Original Justice for Living Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act” represents a significant step forward in the nation’s journey toward confronting its past and striving for a more just future. As this bill moves through Congress, it is expected to spark important conversations about historical accountability, systemic injustice, and the enduring pursuit of reparations for communities that have suffered profound historical harms. The introduction of this legislation is a moment of considerable hope for those seeking to heal the wounds of the past and build a more equitable present.
H.R. 4228 (IH) – Original Justice for living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act
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