LeeAnne PowerJimenez

Today, we turn a page in Tulsa's history. For 104 years, the Tulsa Race Massacre has left a wound on the very soul of our city - hampering progress, opportunity, and hope. And while we can't undo the past, we can seek righteousness in this moment. That's why earlier today, I announced the creation of the Greenwood Trust - a private charitable trust that will raise and direct $105 million (raised by this time next year) toward affordable housing, historic preservation, economic development, and education for descendants of the Race Massacre and the residents of Greenwood and North Tulsa. This is not the final step in our road to repair, but it's a start - and a start that brings to bear what we're able to do right now, which is to create an avenue and a funding source for our reconciliation efforts in response to the needs the community has identified over the last several years. Earlier today, I also reaffirmed my commitment to the 1921 Graves Investigation and Genealogy work; and announced the City is releasing more than 45,000 historic records tied to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre to ensure the truth continues to stay out of the shadows and is put into the hands of Tulsans. Ultimately, this work is rooted in the belief that reconciliation, repair, and renewal are not just ideals - they're actions that we must continue to take if we want to move Tulsa forward. There is much work to do, and this is not the end – but I’m excited at the promise of progress. I invite you to learn more about the Trust, read the historic documentation surrounding the Massacre, and learn more about everything we're doing to unite our community on a path forward at: cityoftulsa.org/RoadToRepair

Today during the city of Tulsa's first Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day, we reflect on the events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre that happened 104 years ago, while at the same time looking forward to bringing about additional healing in the years ahead. Today, we express gratitude for those who came before us, for those who have fought for so long for justice and reconciliation, and for those who continue to fight for the values we all share here in Tulsa - opportunity; freedom; justice; and repair. Later today, I will announce what the road ahead may bring and some of the initial steps my administration is taking to achieve further reconciliation and unity within our community. You can join in watching online at theblackwallsttimes.com/ at 3:30 p.m.