As Americans' rage over racial injustice boils over into protests, the Commission hopes to bridge the gaps between the past and the present and facilitate change.
“Never, ever be afraid to make some noise
and get in trouble, necessary trouble.”
- John Lewis (1940 - 2020)
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission (“Centennial Commission”) today announced that it has received a $1 million grant from Bank of America in support of its planned state-of-the-art history center “Greenwood Rising,” that tells the story of the original “Black Wall Street” and chronicles the worst domestic terrorist event in our nation’s history. This grant is connected to the bank’s $1 billion, four-year initiative to advance racial equality, health care, and economic opportunity in minority communities.
Construction of the Pathway to Hope, a highly anticipated pedestrian walkway in the Greenwood District, is set to begin today. The Pathway to Hope will provide a more direct walking route between John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park and other sites in the core of the Greenwood District.
Greenwood Rising, a history center honoring the Greenwood District before and after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, broke ground today at the southeast corner of Archer and Greenwood Ave. Hundreds of people joined the hour-long celebration via live stream, watching from 29 states and internationally, while about 75 masked guests gathered at the site.
The projects of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission will educate Oklahomans and Americans about the Race Massacre and its impact on the state and Nation; remember its victims and survivors; and create an environment conducive to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and heritage tourism within the Greenwood District specifically, and North Tulsa generally.
The Commission reflects bi partisan representation from all levels of government and all sectors of the City of Tulsa. We hope to serve as a model for the city, state, and nation by demonstrating unity across racial, religious, and political boundaries and proving that differences create opportunities to learn, build, and work with one another.
Greenwood Rising, the new history center in the Greenwood District being built by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission will be built on land located at the entrance of Greenwood, connected to the Pathway to Hope.
The Greenwood Art Project is a Public Art Challenge funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The $1 million grant will fund a public art project and urban planning process that aims to fuel the economic and cultural revitalization of the Greenwood District.
With recommendations by the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, in conjunction with descendants of victims and survivors of the violence, the Oklahoma State Department of Education has developed a curriculum plan for teaching students statewide about the events surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
The Commission is diligently working to organize events in the Greenwood District to celebrate culture throughout the year leading up to the May 2021 Commemoration Event. These events will honor the victims, educate Tulsans and the world about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and show unity across races.
Recognizing that the rich and complex story of the Greenwood District cannot be told with one voice, the Commission announced a program to award grants up to $10,000 for events between May 2020 and June 2021 that commemorate the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
What will the Greenwood District become after the Centennial Celebration? The Greenwood Beyond Grassroots Campaign is working to raise $1,000,000 from local small businesses and community members to continue to legacy. These ongoing efforts will set the foundation of sustainability for the Historic Greenwood District beyond 2021.
Ahead of the centennial of the 1921 Race Massacre, the Centennial Commission invites individuals to reflect on the impact of Tulsa’s Race Massacre as well as the importance of supporting Greenwood Rising, the new history center being built in the heart of the Greenwood District by the Commission.
Why is it important that Tulsa commemorates the centennial of the 1921 Race Massacre?
What do you hope the impact of Greenwood Rising will be on the Tulsa community?
How did you learn about Tulsa’s Race Massacre and how did it make you feel?
What are the most important lessons that we should take away from the Race Massacre and the history of Tulsa's Greenwood District?
Your responses may be used by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission in fundraising, community engagement and for publicity purposes through a variety of channels, including, but not limited to: print, broadcast, social media, and on the web. By answering the prompts, you grant the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission and Greenwood Rising permission to use your responses for engagement, publicity, fundraising, and other mission-relevant purposes.
Some respondents may be selected and contacted to participate in phone and/or video interviews to support Greenwood Rising. Please indicate if you would like to opt of further contact.
Your contribution is critical to our efforts of the Commission. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Fund is administered as a donor-designated fund established for the charitable purpose of community and educational programs and outreach. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and do not represent payment for goods or services received.
To send a donation by check, please mail to:
Tulsa Community Foundation
ATTN: 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Fund
7030 South Yale, Suite 600
Tulsa, OK 74136
Here is additional information about donations. Sponsor an individual campaign.
