Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols IV has proposed a $100 million charitable trust to aid descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, aiming to revitalize the Greenwood District through scholarships, housing, and economic revitalization. The plan seeks to address historical injustices by investing in the community’s recovery and restoration. This initiative is part of a broader national conversation on reparations, with similar proposals emerging in Congress seeking to address systemic racial inequities.
Nichols, who was recently elected mayor in November, emphasized that the trust would not involve direct cash payments but rather focus on tangible investments in the community. He highlighted the long-term impact of the massacre, which not only decimated the Greenwood District but also contributed to systemic underinvestment in the area for decades. The mayor’s proposal underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to restore what was lost, including investments in infrastructure and social programs.
The trust is expected to secure $105 million in assets, with most of the funding already committed or secured by June 2026. The City Council would have to approve the transfer of city assets to the trust, which would be used primarily for revitalizing the Greenwood District and addressing historical inequities. Nichols argued that the massacre robbed Tulsa of an economic potential that could have rivaled global cities, and the trust aims to rectify that loss by fostering sustainable development in the area.
The mayor’s proposal comes amid growing national attention on reparations, with Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., recently introducing the Reparations Now Resolution at the federal level. Lee’s resolution calls for trillions of dollars in reparations for Black Americans, citing historical injustices such as slavery and Jim Crow laws. Nichols’ initiative, while localized, aligns with these broader calls for national reflection and rectification, emphasizing the ongoing need for substantive efforts to address racial disparities in the U.S.
As discussions around reparations continue to shape public discourse, Nichols’ proposal reflects a commitment to historical justice and economic revitalization. The trust represents a significant step toward addressing the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre and ensuring that the descendants of its victims receive the support and resources needed for long-term recovery and development.