HR 4228 - Original Justice for living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act

Overview

Bill Number: HR 4228

Title: Original Justice for living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre Act
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced: June 27, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to provide financial reparations and other forms of redress to the last known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre, one of the worst incidents of racial violence and destruction in American history. The bill aims to acknowledge the immense trauma and injustice experienced by the Tulsa community, as well as the ongoing impacts felt by the survivors and their descendants. By offering compensation and other restorative measures, the legislation seeks to provide a measure of justice and healing for those who have waited over a century for recognition and accountability.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a Tulsa/Greenwood Massacre Reparations Program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Provides direct cash payments of $1 million to each verified living survivor of the 1921 massacre
• Creates a $50 million Greenwood Redevelopment Fund to support economic revitalization, affordable housing, and community development in the Greenwood district
• Mandates the creation of a Tulsa/Greenwood Massacre National Historic Site and Museum to preserve the history and educate the public
• Requires the federal government to issue a formal apology and acknowledgment of its role in the events of 1921

Affected Parties and Impacts

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation would be the last known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa/Greenwood Race Massacre, estimated to be fewer than 10 individuals. The direct cash payments and community redevelopment funds are intended to provide long-overdue compensation and support for the survivors and their families, who have endured generational trauma and economic hardship. Additionally, the creation of a national historic site and museum would preserve the history and legacy of the Tulsa/Greenwood community, educating the public and honoring the victims.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

This bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 27, 2025 and has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for consideration. If passed by the House, it would then need to be approved by the Senate and signed into law by the President. Given the bipartisan support for addressing the historical injustices of the Tulsa/Greenwood Massacre, the bill has