Oklahoma House denies interim study on reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Oklahoma lawmakers have denied a request for an interim study on reparations surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The proposal from Representative Regina Goodwin who says the house denying that study is basically saying they don’t want to talk about it.

“I think its really ridiculous that we cant even have a conversation at the capitol. Whether it be cash, it be land, whether it be it be scholarships, whether it be housing opportunities, job contracting opportunities, different ways to have reparations so I wanted to have that discussion,” said Rep. Regina Goodwin, House District 73.

Newschannel 8 reached out to house speaker Charles McCall to see why representative Goodwin’s request was denied and this is the statement we got back:

Studying a previous state study on a matter now with the courts in active litigation is duplicative. Many existing studies on the topic, including the 2001 state study, are widely available for review and discussion.

Goodwin says nothing has come from that original study two decades ago.

“Out of that 200 page report 20 years ago, reparations were recommended,” said Goodwin.

People on black wall street disappointed by the house decision

“A conversation needs to be made and actually its really slap in the face to the people of Tulsa to Oklahomans," said Terry Baccus, who works on Black Wall Street

Goodwin says despite this denial, the fight to repair what was destroyed 100 years ago will not stop.

“As long as I've got breath in my body we’ve got tie to get it right," Goodwin said. " We ask that you call the capitol and say as leaders of state why not have the conversation why not be engaged in issue that’s not going away. You might choose to close your eyes to the tidal wave but that doesn’t me the tidal wave’s not going to hit you in the face.”

The house did approve 113 interim studies including one discussing the removal of Interstate 244 through the Greenwood District. Goodwin says while she supports the idea, that alone is not enough for reparations.