Descendant of Tulsa Race Massacre survivor weighs in on Mayor Nichols' Greenwood Trust announcement

Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols made a big announcement aimed at addressing the impacts of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. He launched the Greenwood Trust to encourage growth and development in North Tulsa and the Greenwood District. The trust will channel $105 million into three different areas: affordable housing, cultural and historic preservation and economic and educational development. We sat down with a descendant of the race massacre, Seth Bryant, to get his thoughts.

>>> Mayor Nichols unveils 'Road to Repair' plan during Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day

Q: Who are you a descendant of?

"My great grandfather was A.J. Smitherman, who was the founder and the owner of the Tulsa Star. He was very much a fixture of Greenwood and the state of Oklahoma. He was very politically involved. He's reported to be one of the founding fathers of Black Wall Street. After the massacre, he was wanted... he was deemed as a rabble rouser and an instigator of the massacre." 

Q: What was your first reaction to Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols' announcement on the Greenwood Trust?

“It's really exciting that in his first year, he’s pushed forward something that’s been so long overdue and so important to Tulsa’s image around the country frankly and the world. I think history at least will recognize that 104 years later, some level of justice can be weeded out, so that’s important."

Q: Does this announcement feel like justice? How do you think it will be from here on out?

“With right actions today, it can be turned into a better story than it had been, and I think that’s what this program, this trust represents….an opportunity to turn the page and make it a positive story after all these years.”

RELATED:

1. Rise in Hope: Tulsa churches unite in remembrance of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
2. Oklahoma's Won Originals: Tulsa Race Massacre