Creek Freedmen celebrate landmark decision granting full citizenship in Muscogee Nation

In a landmark unanimous ruling, the Muscogee Nation Supreme Court has ordered that Creek Freedmen—descendants of formerly enslaved individuals associated with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation—are to be granted full citizenship. The decision brings an end to a decades-long legal battle over a key provision in the 1866 Treaty, which promised equal rights and privileges to Black Creeks.

A Long-Awaited Answered Prayer

News On 6’s MaKayla Glenn spoke with community members following the announcement.

“I first put in an application with the Creek Nation back in 1983,” Ron Graham said.

For Graham, a Creek Freedman and historian, and many others, the road to recognition has been a long one. He has spent years researching his family’s lineage—learning more about his grandparents’ Creek ancestry—and fighting for his rightful place in the tribe.

Decades of Exclusion Now Overturned

Since 1979, the Muscogee Nation has denied citizenship to Black Creeks, despite the clear language of the 1866 Treaty. Lead counsel Damario Solomon-Simmons, himself a descendant of Creek Freedmen, says the ruling restores justice.

“The Muscogee Creek Nation Supreme Court stated that they can no longer exclude Creek Freedmen or Black Creeks from the Creek Nation,” Solomon-Simmons said.

He emphasized that this is not just a legal victory, but a moment of healing and unity.

A Hope for Reconciliation and Healing

“We hope that the Creek Nation leadership will sit down with us and forge a path of reconciliation,” said Solomon-Simmons. “We’re supposed to be one family.”

The ruling has sparked hope among many that this decision will not only restore rights, but also help mend relationships between Black Creeks and the Muscogee Nation.

Response from the Nation’s Leadership

Principal Chief David Hill issued a statement following the ruling:

“We are currently reviewing the order to understand its basis as well as its implications for our processes. It may be necessary to ask for a reconsideration of this order to receive clarity.”

What This Means for Freedmen Descendants

Ron Graham believes this moment is about more than paperwork—it’s about recognition, dignity, and opportunity.

“Being a Creek citizen is my birthright,” he said. “Now we’re looking for equality.”

Looking ahead, Graham hopes the Nation ensures a smooth transition for new citizens:

“The next step, I hope, is giving us our rights, giving us the opportunity to get a job within the tribe, or just to educate folks on what’s going on.”

What’s Next

Solomon-Simmons remains confident that the court’s order is clear, and urges tribal leadership to comply with the ruling.

A press conference is scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m., where more Black Creek Freedmen are expected to share their reactions to the historic decision.

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