Hirono, Colleagues Reintroduce Resolution Recognizing Anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with 21 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing a resolution recognizing the anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and honoring the lives and legacies of the nearly 300 Black individuals who were killed and the nearly 9,000 Black individuals who were left homeless and penniless as a result.

“The Tulsa race massacre was a dark chapter in our nation’s history that devastated thousands of Black families and killed hundreds more,” said Senator Hirono. “The best way to prevent this kind of history from repeating itself is to ensure the stories of those killed and harmed are told. That’s why I’m glad to join Senator Warren in introducing this resolution to honor the lives of those impacted and condemn those responsible as we work to combat racism in all forms.”

The resolution also condemns the violent white mob, including white municipal officials and law enforcement officials who directly aided and abetted the unlawful violence, but were never held accountable. It encourages schools and universities to incorporate the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre into their curriculum, and recognizes Congress’s commitment to acknowledge and learn from the United States’ history of racism and racial violence. 

In addition to Senators Hirono and Warren, the resolution was also cosponsored by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tina Smith (D- MN), Bob Casey (D-PA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), John Fetterman (D- PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Richard Blumenthal (D-CN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D- CA), Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Ron Wyden (D-OR), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

The resolution was endorsed by the Organization of American Historians; American Historical Association; National Coalition for History; and the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center.

The full text of the bill is available here.  

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