Greenwood Cultural Center certifies 1st descendant of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

The cultural center announced Nathaniel K. Nash Jr. as the first person formally certified as a direct descendant through its community-led lineage project.

Nash is the son of the late Ruth Dean Nash, a documented survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

This initiative is part of the Greenwood Cultural Center’s broader commitment to honor survivors and their descendants while safeguarding the historical integrity of the area.

Who Is Nathaniel K. Nash Jr.?

Nash, a Tulsa native, is the son of Ruth Dean Nash, whose firsthand accounts of the massacre helped preserve the history of Greenwood.

By certifying Nash, the center acknowledges his direct familial link to one of the most painful chapters in Oklahoma history.

What the Certification Means

Certification as a descendant is more than symbolic—it’s a strategic move to ensure Greenwood’s story is protected by those rooted in its soil.

Officials say this effort will help prevent outside entities from distorting the community’s legacy.

Safeguarding Cultural and Historical Integrity

The center said the certification is designed to affirm the lineage of Greenwood families and reinforce community control over how the district’s history is shared and remembered.

It also creates a path for future descendants to be formally recognized.

Looking Ahead

The Greenwood Cultural Center plans to continue certifying descendants through a community-led process that prioritizes transparency, historical documentation and family verification.

Leaders hope the initiative will inspire deeper connections and investments in Greenwood’s future from both residents and policymakers.