Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1051
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-26: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to establish the Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a unit of the National Park System. Its goal is to preserve, protect, and interpret the historical resources of the Greenwood District (known as "Black Wall Street"), the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre—a violent attack on the African American community—and their broader significance to Oklahoma and U.S. history for current and future generations.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Conditions: The National Monument is created once the Secretary of the Interior determines that enough land or property interests have been acquired to form a viable park unit. The Secretary must publish a notice in the Federal Register within 30 days of this determination.
- Boundaries and Mapping: The monument's boundaries are defined by a specific map (entitled "Greenwood Historic District--Black Wall Street National Monument, Proposed Boundary," numbered 196/188,275, dated August 2024), which will be available for public inspection at National Park Service (NPS) offices.
- Land Acquisition: The Secretary can acquire land or interests within the boundaries through donation, purchase from willing sellers using donated or federal funds, or land exchanges. No eminent domain (forced taking of private property) is authorized.
- Cooperative Agreements: The Secretary may partner with public or private groups to provide interpretive and educational services, administrative support, technical assistance, and to mark or explain significant historic or cultural sites inside or outside the monument.
- Private Property Protections: The law does not alter the rights of private property owners within or next to the monument.
- Administration: The monument will be managed by the Secretary under general NPS laws, including the preparation of a comprehensive management plan within 3 years of initial funding. The plan must follow federal planning standards (section 100502 of title 54, U.S. Code) and involve consultation with an advisory commission.
- Advisory Commission: A 11-member Historic Greenwood District--Black Wall Street National Monument Advisory Commission is created to advise on development, management, visitor facilities, and infrastructure.
- Membership: Includes 7 descendants of 1921 Greenwood residents (appointed after recommendations from interested groups), 3 experts in historic preservation or related fields, and 1 appointee recommended by the Mayor of Tulsa. Members serve 5-year terms without pay but can receive travel expenses.
- Operations: The commission elects its own chair, sets bylaws, meets as needed, requires a majority quorum, and is exempt from certain federal advisory committee rules (FACA). It terminates 10 years after the monument's establishment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This act introduces a new national monument into the National Park System, expanding federal protection for these specific historic sites. It does not amend existing laws but incorporates standard NPS management frameworks (e.g., planning and administration under title 54, U.S. Code). A key addition is the tailored advisory commission with representation for descendants of massacre survivors, which is not a standard feature in all national monuments.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior and NPS will gain responsibility for land acquisition, planning, and operations, potentially requiring new funding for management, facilities, and education programs. This could strain resources if acquisitions are slow.
- Citizens: Local Tulsa residents and visitors may benefit from enhanced historical education, tourism, and community pride in preserving Black Wall Street's legacy. It promotes public access to sites related to racial history without restricting private property use.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the monument could elevate U.S. recognition of racial injustice history on the global stage, potentially aiding cultural diplomacy or educational exchanges.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Descendants and Community Members: Particularly the 7 commission members representing 1921 Greenwood families, who gain a formal voice in preservation efforts.
- Local Government and Residents: Tulsa officials (e.g., the mayor's input on appointments) and Oklahoma communities, who may see economic boosts from tourism but could face changes in land use planning.
- Historic Preservation Experts and Organizations: The 3 commission experts and groups involved in recommendations, benefiting from federal support for site interpretation.
- Federal Agencies: The Secretary of the Interior and NPS, tasked with implementation and long-term management.
- Private Landowners: Protected from federal overreach but potentially involved in voluntary sales or partnerships.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The act uses congressional authority to designate a national monument (similar to the Antiquities Act of 1906 but via specific legislation), emphasizing voluntary land acquisition to avoid property rights challenges. Exemption from FACA streamlines the advisory commission's operations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with federal powers over public lands and historic preservation under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3), while explicitly safeguarding private property rights under the Fifth Amendment (no takings without compensation).
- Political: Highlights national reckoning with racial violence by federally commemorating the Tulsa Race Massacre, potentially influencing discussions on historical reparations or equity without mandating compensation. The descendant-focused commission fosters inclusive governance, though its 10-year limit suggests a temporary advisory role to balance local and federal interests.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-26: Held at the desk.
- 2025-05-26: Received in the House.
- 2025-05-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-05-22: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3137-3138; text: CR S3137-3138)
- 2025-05-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-22: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-22: Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-03-13: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act — issued 2025-05-22 — PDF (10 pages)
- Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act — issued 2025-03-13 — PDF (8 pages)