Descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre said the tragedy should be front of mind for people on Memorial Day.
The massacre saw the destruction of hundreds of businesses and homes in north Tulsa. An unconfirmed number of people were killed, with historians adding that the amount of fatalities could be in the hundreds.
"What took place in [1921] happened during the Memorial Day Weekend," said descendant Terry Baccus.
Baccus said he's seen the resurgence and interest in Greenwood firsthand in recent years, and would like that interest to be continued on as the community prepares to honor the 102nd anniversary of the massacre on Wednesday.
"It's important that the loved ones be recognized, that the descendants be recognized, that the ancestors be recognized," said Baccus.
He said he encourages individuals to come to Greenwood, either over the next few days or throughout the year, to take in everything it has to offer and teach.
Baccus said the Memorial Day Weekend and holiday often overshadows the impact the massacre had on the city and Greenwood as a whole. Since the massacre, he said the community has worked hard to rebuild what was lost and continue to educate those about what happened.
Memorial Day also serves as a reminder for Baccus this year that a Tulsa County district judge has yet to make a decision on whether or not the last living survivors of the massacre can move forward with a lawsuit for potential reparations.
"I'm all for reparations," said Baccus. "Reparations need to be paid. It shouldn't even have to go to court."
Baccus said there are plenty of opportunities for people interested in learning about Greenwood to do so, they just have to be willing to take the leap.
"Tell your loved ones, tell those of your family members that's from out of state, 'Hey, come to Greenwood, learn of Greenwood, learn what took place in Greenwood,'" said Baccus.
Efforts to understand Greenwood's history ahead of the massacre continue Tuesday morning.
The Mapping Historical Trauma in Tulsa Project 2023 Field Season is kicking off with a libation ceremony at Standpipe Hill at 9 a.m. Survivors and descendants are also expected to attend.