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Black Creek Freedmen Sue Tribe After Supreme Court Ruling

7/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rhonda Grayson and Jeffrey Kennedy sued in Oklahoma City to force tribal card issuance.
They claim the board breaches the 1866 treaty granting Black Creek Freedmen citizenship.
A July 2025 Supreme Court ruling ordered the board to recognize the plaintiffs.
Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons says about 100,000 Black Creek people live in the U.S. and the ruling could add thousands of citizens.

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Story summary

Rhonda Grayson and Jeffrey Kennedy sued in Oklahoma City to force tribal card issuance.
They claim the board breaches the 1866 treaty granting Black Creek Freedmen citizenship.
A July 2025 Supreme Court ruling ordered the board to recognize the plaintiffs.
Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons says about 100,000 Black Creek people live in the U.S. and the ruling could add thousands of citizens.