This monument would commemorate the Greenwood District, famously known as Black Wall Street, and the tragic Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. By doing so, it would preserve, protect, and interpret resources connected with these significant historical events for the benefit of current and future generations.
#### What is in the Bill?
The bill outlines several key provisions:
1. **Establishment of the Monument:** The Historic Greenwood District–Black Wall Street National Monument will be officially established. The exact boundaries of the monument will be depicted on a specific map, stored in the offices of the National Park Service for public inspection. 2. **Land Acquisition:** The Secretary of the Interior is granted the authority to acquire land within the monument’s boundary through donations, purchases, or exchanges. Importantly, the bill does not interfere with private property rights or land use within or adjacent to the monument, which should protect current property owners from any unwelcome changes.
3. **Agreements and Partnerships:** The Secretary has the liberty to make cooperative agreements with both public and private entities. These partnerships can help with educational and interpretative services, administrative support, or technical assistance.
4. **Management Plan Requirements:** A comprehensive management plan must be created in consultation with stakeholders, including descendants of those who lived in Greenwood in 1921, Oklahoma State University, and other local sources. This plan aims to ensure that the monument serves its intended purpose without disrupting existing local arrangements, such as the administration of Standpipe Hill by Oklahoma State University.
5. **Advisory Commission:** A 11-member commission will be established to offer guidance on the development and management of the monument. These members will include descendants, experts in historic preservation, and a representative recommended by the Mayor of Tulsa.
#### Intent and Impact
So, why is this monument consequential? The Greenwood District, once a thriving Black community, was decimated in one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history. This bill aims to elevate this history, providing a solemn yet educational space where visitors can learn about the legacy and contributions of the Black community in Greenwood as well as the impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
For the average citizen, the new monument offers an opportunity to engage with American history in a manner that honors the past while informing the future. It provides an avenue for education and reflection on issues related to racial inequality and community resilience.
#### The Good and the Possible Hiccups
On the positive side, creating this monument can provide many educational and cultural benefits. Schools might bring students on field trips, families might visit to learn more together, and tourists might add this stop to their itineraries. The local economy could see a boost from this increased attention.
On the flip side, some might worry about how the creation of the monument will coexist with current landowners and residents within the proposed boundary. The bill’s specific provisions to protect private property rights aim to address these concerns, but it remains to be seen how they will play out in practice.
#### Broader Context
In the larger context of America’s ongoing conversation about race, equality, and historical recognition, this bill fits snugly. The federal acknowledgment of such a significant site could encourage more initiatives across the country aimed at preserving spaces that tell underrepresented parts of the national narrative.
#### Next Steps
The bill will have to pass the House Committee on Natural Resources before moving on to the Senate. If both chambers approve, it will then require the President’s signature to become law. Given its historical and cultural importance, the bill could garner bipartisan support, but only time will tell.
Organizations focused on historic preservation, educational groups, and the African American community likely have their eyes on this legislative development. At its core, H.R. 9259 touches upon the necessity to honor the past while educating future generations, ensuring that these pivotal moments in American history are never forgotten.
