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Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act

1/14/2025, 5:11 PM

Summary of Bill S 3543

Bill 118 s 3543, also known as the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. The bill aims to establish the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Historic Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, was a thriving African American community in Tulsa that was destroyed in the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The bill seeks to honor the history and legacy of this community by designating it as a national monument.

If passed, the bill would provide funding for the establishment and maintenance of the national monument, as well as for educational programs and exhibits that highlight the history of the Historic Greenwood District. The monument would serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community in the face of adversity. Overall, the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act aims to preserve and commemorate an important piece of American history and ensure that future generations are aware of the events that took place in Tulsa in 1921.

Congressional Summary of S 3543

Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act

This bill establishes the Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The monument is established within the National Park System to preserve, protect, and interpret resources associated with Black Wall Street, the Historic Greenwood District, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. 

(The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 occurred in the neighborhood of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, referred to as America's Black Wall Street. Racial violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the displacement of thousands, in what came to be known as one of the worst racial attacks in U.S. history.)

Under the bill, the Department of the Interior may acquire land within a specified area by donation, purchase, or exchange to constitute the monument. 

Interior may enter into cooperative agreements with public or private entities to provide and facilitate interpretive and educational services, administrative support, and technical assistance related to the monument. Interior may also enter into agreements to mark or interpret significant historical or cultural resources or locations within the monument. 

The bill also establishes a commission to advise Interior on the development and management of the monument, including the construction of visitor facilities and infrastructure. Members of the commission must serve without compensation. Interior must consult with the commission to prepare a management plan for the monument.

Current Status of Bill S 3543

Bill S 3543 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since December 14, 2023. Bill S 3543 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on December 14, 2023.  Bill S 3543's most recent activity was Held at the desk. as of December 18, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 3543

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
16
Democrat Cosponsors
11
Republican Cosponsors
5
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 3543

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 3543

Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act
Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act
A bill to establish the Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument in the State of Oklahoma, and for other purposes.
A bill to establish the Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument in the State of Oklahoma, and for other purposes.

Comments

Pablo Werner profile image

Pablo Werner

434

1 year ago

So, what does this bill mean for us? Will it really make a difference? I hope so. This could be a big step forward for our community. #UnitedStatesSBill3543 #GreenwoodDistrictMonument #BlackWallStreet #BigPicture

Estrella Conrad profile image

Estrella Conrad

431

1 year ago

I can't believe some people are still against this bill. It's like they don't even care about our history. This is a huge step forward for recognizing the struggles and achievements of the Black community. It's about time we start honoring those who have been overlooked for far too long. This bill is a small but important way to make sure we never forget the past and work towards a better future.