Technical corrections only. The second version (v2) reflects the bill's passage in the Senate, updating its status from 'Introduced' to 'Engrossed in Senate' and adding a certification of passage. No substantive policy changes were made to the text of the bill.
Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a new National Monument to preserve and interpret the history of the Historic Greenwood District, Black Wall Street, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, establishing a framework for its management and ensuring direct community involvement.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument in Oklahoma as a unit of the National Park System, contingent upon the Secretary of the Interior acquiring sufficient land. It authorizes the Secretary to acquire land through donation, purchase from willing sellers, or exchange, and to enter into cooperative agreements for interpretive and administrative support. The bill also creates an 11-member advisory commission, with a majority of members being descendants of the Greenwood District, to guide the monument's development and management.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is a crucial step in recognizing and preserving a significant, yet often overlooked, part of American history, particularly the resilience and economic prosperity of Black communities and the tragedy of the Tulsa Race Massacre. They contend it will provide vital educational opportunities, promote healing, and ensure future generations understand the historical context and ongoing relevance of these events, with strong community input.
Opponents contend
Opposition to the establishment of national monuments or federal land acquisition often centers on concerns about federal overreach, property rights, and potential economic impacts on local communities. While specific opposition to this particular monument is not readily apparent, some might raise general concerns about the cost of federal management or the designation of specific sites, though the bill's voluntary land acquisition provision mitigates some property rights concerns.
The bill is concise and clearly written, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions by any interested reader.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument
This section formally establishes the Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument in Oklahoma as a unit of the National Park System. Its primary purpose is to preserve, protect, and interpret resources related to the Historic Greenwood District, Black Wall Street, and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, highlighting their role in Oklahoma and U.S. history. The monument's official establishment is conditional on the Secretary of the Interior acquiring a sufficient quantity of land or interests in land to constitute a manageable park unit.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for formally recognizing and preserving a critical piece of American history, ensuring that the legacy of Black Wall Street and the tragedy of the Tulsa Race Massacre are never forgotten and serve as a powerful educational tool for future generations.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of national monuments for historical preservation, especially those addressing significant historical injustices, though general concerns about federal land management or property rights might be raised by some.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension involves balancing federal management and preservation goals with local community input and existing property rights. The bill attempts to address this by making establishment conditional on land acquisition and explicitly protecting private property rights.
Section 3(d)
Authority to Acquire Land and Interests
This provision grants the Secretary of the Interior the authority to acquire land or interests in land located within the National Monument's boundary. Crucially, acquisition methods are limited to donation, purchase from a willing seller using donated or appropriated funds, or exchange. This explicitly ensures that the federal government cannot use eminent domain (forced acquisition) to acquire property for the monument, thereby protecting existing private property rights.
Section 3(e)
Authority for Cooperative Agreements
The Secretary is authorized to enter into cooperative agreements with various public or private entities. These agreements can facilitate a range of activities, including interpretive and educational services, administrative support, and technical assistance, both inside and outside the monument's boundary. Additionally, specific agreements can be made to mark or interpret significant historic or cultural resources within the monument. This provision fosters partnerships with local organizations and experts.
Section 5
Establishment and Duties of the Advisory Commission
This section establishes an 11-member advisory commission, known as the 'Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument Advisory Commission.' Its primary duty is to advise the Secretary of the Interior on matters relating to the development and management of the National Monument, including the construction of visitor service facilities and infrastructure. A critical aspect of its composition is that 7 members must be descendants of individuals who lived or worked in the Greenwood District of Tulsa in 1921, ensuring direct community representation. The commission is set to terminate 10 years after the monument's establishment.