As the Cherokee Nation celebrates Black History Month, theyre highlighting their investment in black communities while making sure tribal history is accurate when it comes to Freedmen.Embracing our history, all of it, gives us t he moral clarity to build a Cherokee nation even stronger as we go forward, said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.WATCH: Cherokee Nation focuses on accurate Freedmen history and investments at Black History Month Celebration Cherokee Nation focuses on accurate Freedmen history and investments at Black History Month CelebrationIn a room packed to capacity at OSU-Tulsa, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. addressed the tribes work to accurately represent Freedmen in their history. Chief Hoskin Jr. released the new report on this effort titled Impact of Slavery on Cherokee Nations 19thCentury Economy and Infrastructure.Reading this report forces us to confront the truth that we built our economy in the 19th century in part by enslaving black people under our own laws, said Principal Chief Hoskin Jr.Chief Hoskin Jr. said, in February, hell sign a new executive order to make sure that history is told. Well have opportunities to change some of our exhibits, add to our history book, said Chief Hoskin Jr. Perhaps a new addition to our history book. Update web content. Weve already been doing that to some extent, but this will be a systematic, comprehensive approach because we have to do that if we want to be true to our history. A 2017 ruling granted Cherokee Freedmen full access to citizenship and benefits and now the nation is choosing to invest in Freedmen communities.  Now that they have opened the door to us, its just something thats exciting to everybody, said Waynetta Lawrie. Waynetta Lawrie, president of the North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization, says the new $2.2 million North Tulsa Cherokee Nation Community Building is welcome news.The space will open Feb. 19. We just love our people, and we try to do as much as we can for the community, said Lawrie. The organization has been meeting at the Dream Center for 6 years. Now, theyll have a space of their own. Lawrie says they have about 100 members, and this center will be critical to providing the services they need.Theyll offer a contractor, small business, and career fair, in-person Cherokee language classes, and an elder nutrition program. Chief Hoskin Jr. says the investment and honoring of Cherokee Freedmen rights strengthens them all. Weve grown stronger and I think thats one of the reasons were at one of our strongest points in history right now is in part because we are reconciling with our past, said Chief Hoskin Jr. Chief Hoskin Jr. also showcased a new Freedmen Monument thatll be placed at the Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah. Artist Stanley Boydston designed the monument. It should be finished in 2027. Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube ...read more read less