A Tulsa pastor is leading an effort to create a new state holiday honoring the victims and survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. If successful, Greenwood Remembrance and Reconciliation Day would be observed every year on June 1st.
We sat down with Francetta Mays, Associate Pastor at Vernon AME Church and the petition’s curator, and State Representative Ronald Stewart, who supports the effort.
What is the goal of the proposed state holiday?
Francetta Mays:
“The goal is that when we have our flags flying half staff, that it’s in remembrance of those innocent children, men and women that lost their lives.”
The day would serve as an annual reminder of the massacre and a symbol of healing for the Greenwood community and beyond.
Why is this effort personal for Pastor Mays?
Mays conducts historical tours at Vernon AME Church, the only structure still standing from the original Black Wall Street. During the massacre, it served as a safe haven.
Francetta Mays:
“I want them to understand that when the people ran in here on May 30th, 1921, they were running after seeing Armageddon… 40 square blocks on fire.”
What needs to happen for this to make it on the ballot?
Mays must collect 95,000 valid signatures within 90 days of petition approval from the state. The goal is to have the state question appear on the ballot in 2025.
What would the state question ask voters to approve?
The measure would designate June 1st as Greenwood Remembrance and Reconciliation Day — a symbolic holiday recognizing the Tulsa Race Massacre victims and survivors. It would have no fiscal impact on the state.
What do supporters in the legislature say about it?
Representative Ronald Stewart (D-Tulsa):
“I am for this. I believe that the Greenwood Remembrance and Reconciliation Day is something that is prominent. I believe that this is a way that not only that we can remember some of the things of the past, but we can also move forward and learn from the mistakes of the people that came before us.”
How can people get involved?
Mays is asking Oklahomans to spread the word and support the petition drive…