Black Creeks move closer to April trial to regain citizenship in Tribe

Written By: Deon Osborne

Photo Courtesy: Chris Creese

(OKMULGEE, Okla.) As attorneys for disenfranchised Black Creeks prepare for a trial to regain citizenship, a Muscogee (Creek) Nation judge on Thursday ordered the Tribe to turn over all documents related to the case by Friday, Feb. 17.

Read this story on The Black Wall Street Times.

The discovery phase of the case ends on Feb. 24, and unless more delays continue, the first official trial for Black Creeks attempting to regain citizenship begins on April 4.

“We’re on the phone with the Creek Nation. We’re sending them emails, and we’re meeting with them. We’re saying let’s move this case along,” attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons, who represents two Black Creek plaintiffs, told The Black Wall Street Times as some have accused the Nation of intentionally delaying the proceedings.

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“I think you see what’s happening, but we’re going to be ready for trial on April 4, and we expect it to move forward.”

After being removed from the Tribe in 1979, Black Creeks and their descendants have been rallying and fighting in the courts for years to force the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to honor the 1866 Treaty, which explicitly guarantees full citizenship to formerly enslaved Black citizens of the Tribe.