One Step Toward Restorative Justice:
1921 Tulsa Race Riot Survivors Receive Reparation Payments - UUA Is Leading Contributor

Tulsa Race Riot survivor Otis Clark, 99, is thankful for the $214.03 he received in reparations for the loss and suffering that resulted from the 1921 violence. Photos by KELLY KERR / Tulsa World

(Boston, MA - April 11, 2002) On Wednesday, April 10, 2002, 131 survivors of the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921, the bloodiest in U.S. history, received the first reparations payment from Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, an interfaith religious coalition. Reparations payments totaled $28,000, of which $20,000 was contributed by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Other contributors to the fund were the Tulsa congregations of All Souls Unitarian Church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, College Hill Presbyterian Church, and Metropolitan Community Church United.

The Rev. William G. Sinkford, president of the UUA, said, "Unitarian Universalists believe that direct reparations to the Tulsa survivors is a first step in a journey of restorative justice. Our faith community is honored to be a part of this effort by Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry." UUA participation in the reparations project was supported through an Action of Immediate Witness at the 2001 General Assembly. Sinkford said the UUA has sent an additional $5,000 contribution to Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry to initiate anti-racism programs in the community.

Greenwood section following the riots. Courtesy ABC News.

UUA support of the effort came primarily from the James Reeb Fund, which is designated to support victims of racism. Additional support comes from funds designated to promote anti-oppression and anti-racism efforts in Tulsa.

Greenwood section of Tulsa where the riot occurred. Courtesy ABC News.

The Rev. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister of All Souls Church in Tulsa, OK, has acted as spokesperson in Tulsa for the Metropolitan Ministries' reparations effort. "The community knows we're standing behind this issue," he said. "Most of all, it's been a significant step in furthering the process of healing, justice and reconciliation in our city."

The Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries intends to continue collecting funds to make additional reparations payments to the survivors of the 1921 riots. Those who wish to contribute to this effort may do so by mailing checks to:

Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries
221 S. Nogales
Tulsa, OK 74127.

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UUA Press Release: Survivors of 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Receive Reparation Payments, 4/10/02

UUA Action of Immediate Witness in Support of Reparations, 2001

Media Coverage on Tulsa and on the Reparations Question in General:
www.tulsareparations.org

Coming to Grips With the Unthinkable in Tulsa in NYTimes.com
http://www.tulsaworld.com/EmailStoryDisplay.asp?ID=020411_Ne_a1recog
http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/097/sunday/Reparations_in_black_and_white+.shtml

Additional Information on the History of the 1921 Race Riot, including personal accounts:
http://bv2design.com/blackwallstreet/history.html
http://www.gliah.uh.edu/database/article_display.cfm?HHID=442
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/tulsariot991109.html

Commentary on the Struggle Over Whether Reparations Are Owed to Riot Victims:
http://www.seeingblack.com/x062901/411.shtml
http://www.uua.org/news/amsterdam.html
http://www.algora.com/Clippings/The%20United%20States/TulsaRaceRiot.htm
http://www.africana.com/DailyArticles/index_20010719.htm

Unitarian Universalist Association
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