The legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre continues to resonate deeply within the community as the push for reparations and recognition gains momentum. State Senator Regina Goodwin, representing Tulsa, has once again expressed her unwavering commitment to seek justice for victims and their families. This time, she has filed Senate Bill 74, which proposes $300 million in compensation for those who suffered losses during the tragic events.
The proposed bill, which seeks to rectify some of the deep-seated wounds of systemic racial violence, is slated for consideration when the Oklahoma Legislature reconvenes on February 3. Goodwin aims to allocate this funding through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, with the money managed by community members, including representatives from the historic Greenwood District, which was the center of the massacre.
Historically known as Black Wall Street, the Greenwood District was home to thriving Black-owned businesses and institutions before being decimated by white mob violence. Estimates from the time indicate property losses from the massacre ranged from $1 million to $4 million, with many families left destitute and without avenues for insurance claims or court recoveries. Goodwin emphasized the need for reparations by questioning the state’s priorities: "I think it’s reasonable, and I think it’s right," she stated passionately, reflecting on the disparity between funds offered to corporations and those promised to the Black community.
The attempt to secure reparations is one of many efforts aimed at acknowledging the injustices faced by victims of the massacre. Meanwhile, genealogy research has played a significant role, particularly the identification of C.L. Daniel, one of the massacre's victims. Daniel's remains, uncovered after decades of hiding, were recently confirmed through genealogical research as belonging to the young World War I veteran who was passing through Tulsa at the time of the riot.
Angela Poythress, one of Daniel's relatives, expressed her surprise when genealogists reached out to her family to inquire about connections to the Tulsa Race Massacre. After correspondence and DNA testing, the Poythress family learned they were connected to Daniel, prompting heartfelt reflections on their heritage: "It gives you the sense, now you know who you are," Andrew Poythress remarked, showcasing the emotional impact of discovering such deep familial ties to the historical tragedy.
ID efforts like those surrounding C.L. Daniel not only give names and faces to the massacre victims but also allow families to reclaim their history. Daniel’s remains, laid to rest during a solemn ceremony organized by former Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, mark one of the few successful identification stories to emerge from this dark chapter. His family is engaged in efforts to restore the cemetery where he is to be buried alongside his relatives, overcoming obstacles including neglect and mismanagement of the burial grounds.
Although the failure of House Bill 1627, which Goodwin filed last session, was disheartening, she is hopeful about her recent legislative pursuits. The challenge will be gaining traction for reparations and compensation as the political climate remains complicated. Goodwin noted the current state budget surplus and remarked on the moral imperative behind reparations, asserting, "If the state can afford to offer Panasonic $800 million for company incentives, surely it can invest $300 million for families devastated by the massacre. We need to prioritize justice and acknowledgment for our Black communities."
There is growing sentiment within the community, both from survivors' families and advocates, to honor the memories of those lost during the massacre by ensuring reparations become more than mere discussions. While securing funds can seem like swimming against the tide, Goodwin’s tenacity and the tenacity of families searching for their kin represent hope for future generations to right historical wrongs.
Andrew Poythress, who is spearheading efforts alongside his relatives to restore C.L. Daniel's cemetery site, asserted, "He’s been in Tulsa for 104 years. It’s time to bring him home," demonstrating the determination of families to unite again with their loved ones lost to violence and address the struggles born from those tragic events.
The stories of the massacre and legislative efforts like those filed by Goodwin serve as poignant reminders of the importance of remembrance. They highlight the imperative for historical acknowledgment and reparations as society grapples with the pervasive impact of racism and injustice to this day. Community healing and restoration often start with such initiatives, gathering strength from the past to forge pathways forward.
