HB 1626: Tulsa Reconciliation Education Bill Advances to Senate

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TULSA, Okla. – HB 1626 advances to Oklahoma Senate, with 69 yes votes and 18 nays. This would amend the Tulsa Reconciliation Education and Scholarship Program if passed in the Senate and signed by Governor Kevin Stitt. March 13th marks a pivotal step in the Oklahoma House toward higher education for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre descendants.

The Tulsa Race Massacre left deep scars on Greenwood, representing a dark chapter in American history. The tragedy was officially acknowledged by the Oklahoma legislature in 1997. A subsequent act was passed in 2001. Nevertheless, it took over two decades for tangible progress to materialize, with a $1.5 million allocation earmarked for proposed college scholarships.

HB 1626: Amendments Made to the Tulsa Reconciliation Education Bill

• Income Limit Modification: The bill adjusts the qualifying income limit for applicants, expanding opportunities for more individuals to access scholarships.
• Descendant Verification: Applicants must provide verifiable documentation of their lineage, particularly if they are descendants of those affected by the Tulsa Race Massacre.
• Community Involvement: The selection process involves collaboration with the Tulsa School District and a Community Advisory Committee, ensuring representation and transparency.

Implementation and Effective Date: If passed, the legislation will take effect on July 1, 2023. An emergency declaration underscores the urgency of addressing historical injustices and promoting educational equity.

Who is Behind the Historic Legislation?

Oklahoma State Rep. Regina Goodwin, representing District 73 of Tulsa, a descendant of a family that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, is a driving force behind the legislation. Rep. Goodwin, the importance of extending the legacy of Greenwood and addressing the damages inflicted by the massacre. 

The Tulsa Reconciliation Education Scholarship, bolstered by $1.5 million, seeks to offer more educational opportunities to massacre descendants.

Rep. Goodwin emphasized the scholarship’s underutilization and her endeavors to boost awareness and funding. She sees a future where numerous students benefit from its provisions. Recipients stand to receive $2,000. Moreover, two lucky individuals will receive full tuition coverage this year. This emphasizes the scholarship’s dedication to rectifying historical injustices and nurturing a brighter future.

The origin of this bill can be traced back to former Rep. Don Ross and the late former Sen. Maxine Horner, who both co-authored the 2001 bill that would have established a scholarship for Massacre descendants.

More Stories

• How Do We Define Reconciliation?
• John Hope Franklin Center pens open letter to Governor Stitt denouncing HB 1775
• Bill allowing protestors to be run over by drivers heads to Governor’s desk
• Editorial: Remove Governor Stitt from Tulsa Race Massacre Commission for signing HB 1775
• Tulsa Has a Long Walk to Racial Progress

Recent Progress on the Bill

The recent progress on HB 1626 brings additional amendments to the fore. Moreover, provisions will allow more organizations to verify eligible descendants and relax income limits for qualifying households. If enacted, the bill would extend eligibility to descendants statewide, significantly broadening the scholarship’s reach and impact.

Acknowledging the invaluable contributions of Representative Regina Goodwin, the bill’s author, supporters remain steadfast. Groups like ACLU-OK and the Terence Crutcher Foundation are pushing for the legislation’s passage.

HB 1626 passage aims to rectify historical injustices, offering equitable opportunities for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre descendants’ education and empowerment. As the bill advances, advocates persist in seeking justice and opportunity for Tulsa Race Massacre victims.