In a historic move that reflects a commitment to social justice and community restoration, Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols announced the creation of a $105 million trust aimed at addressing the systemic impacts of the 1921 massacre that targeted the Black community in the Greenwood District. The announcement came on the 104th anniversary of the massacre, which claimed the lives of nearly 300 people and destroyed what was once a thriving community known as “Black Wall Street.”
The fund, named the Greenwood Trust, aims to secure its full funding by the 105th anniversary of the massacre in June 2026. Potential sources of funding include property transfers to the trust, philanthropic contributions, and public funding. The trust will support major initiatives, including: $24 million for a housing fund benefiting residents of North Tulsa and Greenwood; $60 million for cultural preservation and infrastructure improvement; and $21 million for a legacy fund to develop and acquire land that will benefit survivors and their descendants.
Mayor Nichols stated that the first year will focus on planning, establishing the trust’s administrative structure, and hiring staff to begin fundraising. He said: “The Greenwood Trust is a bridge between what we as a community can offer and what the community truly needs.” He added: “We are working to create real change in housing opportunities, intergenerational wealth building, and systematic repair for those affected.”
Meanwhile, despite credible reports indicating law enforcement involvement in the massacre, the U.S. Department of Justice announced in January that prosecution is no longer possible due to the expiration of the statute of limitations and the advanced age or death of all potential suspects.
Through this announcement, Tulsa sets an inspiring example in acknowledging a painful past and taking concrete steps to correct historical wrongs not just with words, but with meaningful actions aimed at rebuilding a community that was once a beacon of prosperity and hope.