Honoring Wisdom, Memory, and Community Responsibility

Rooted in cultural tradition, the Council of Elders serves as a vital bridge between past and future. Elders act on behalf of the Kirkpatrick Heights Greenwood community by remaining attentive to community needs, honoring collective memory, and recognizing the enduring impact of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. They hold the wisdom, capacity, and lived experience to guide, teach, and support community healing.

In addition, the Council of Elders will advise the Greenwood Legacy Corporation’s Board of Directors by serving as a committee as defined in the corporate bylaws. As a collective body, the Council will also hold one voting seat on the Board.

Purpose & Vision

The Greenwood Legacy Corporation (GLC) is developing an Elders’ Council to provide community wisdom and shared governance authority as a committee of the GLC Board of Directors. The Council is intended to be more than advisory — it is designed to hold and share authority rooted in Black cultural traditions, advance healing from the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, and guide development of 56 acres in the Greenwood district toward generational Black wealth. The process of building the Council is itself an act of community rebuilding.

Core Role

The Elders’ Council will hold and transmit community wisdom, cultural values, and long-term institutional memory. They will help create a healing and unifying space for Black community members. They will share authority with the GLC Board, including representation on the Board, and provide accountability on behalf of the community to the Master Plan, ensuring the 56-acre development advances Black community generational wealth, not individual gain.

 
ELDERS' COUNCIL FRAMEWORK
FINAL MASTER PLAN

Nomination Instructions

Community members are invited to nominate elders who have demonstrated wisdom, integrity, service, cultural grounding, and a deep commitment to the well-being of Black Tulsans.

To submit a nomination, please email a nomination letter of no more than two pages. Your letter should include the nominee’s name, contact information if available, and a brief explanation of why you are nominating them.

Pre-Qualifying Questions*
Please answer the following questions in your nomination letter:

  • Does the person you are nominating live in Tulsa?

  • Is the person you are nominating a descendant of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre?

  • Is the person a resident of North Tulsa?

  • Is the person you are nominating at least 65 years old?

*The ideal candidate will have a positive response for all pre-qualifying questions.  However, anyone who can respond positively to a limited number of the pre-qualifying questions is still encouraged to apply.

Core Characteristics of Elderhood
Please provide examples of how the nominee lives out the following characteristics:

  • Character and integrity: Demonstrated truthfulness, consistency, and community-centered conduct, not self-promotion.

  • Connection to Greenwood: Commitment to the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan, Black intergenerational thriving and sustainability, and the legacy of Black Wall Street.

  • Spiritual or cultural grounding: Rooted in values of the Black community, including spirituality, honoring elders, respect for community heritage, love and commitment to family, and community well-being.

  • Gentleness and non-violence: A gentle and non-violent approach to others.

  • Ability to teach: Ability to teach others and lead by example.

  • Respectable reputation: A good reputation and a spirit of hospitality.

  • Wisdom and knowledge: Someone others seek out for wisdom and advice.

 

Complete nominations must be emailed by 11:59 PM CST on May 30, 2026.

 
 
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