Tulsa’s Beyond Apology Commission: A Step Towards Racial Justice

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tulsa has established a 13-member Beyond Apology Commission to develop reparations plans for the 1921 Race Massacre.
The commission will focus on creating a housing equity program for massacre survivors and their descendants.
Previous recommendations for reparations, made nearly 20 years ago, have not been fully implemented.
The estimated financial losses from the Tulsa Race Massacre amount to $200 million in today’s dollars.
Significant economic disparities persist in Tulsa, with North Tulsa’s poverty rate at 35.7% compared to South Tulsa’s 13.4%.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a case seeking reparations filed by the last two known survivors of the massacre.
A dignified elderly woman wearing glasses and a light blue scarf tied into a bow, stands in the foreground reading a document. The setting appears to be a bustling historical street lined with tall buildings. A clock tower is visible in the background. Various people are seen walking, conversing, and sitting at tables placed outside the buildings. In the background, there is a large sign that reads “Beyond Apology Commissions.” The scene evokes a sense of important civic activity and historical reflection.
Tulsas Beyond Apology Commission aims to address injustices from the 1921 Race Massacre focusing on reparations for Greenwood district survivors and justice initiatives Image generated by DALL E

Tulsa Race Massacre: A Century-Old Wound

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre stands as a stark reminder of America’s violent racial history. This horrific event saw the destruction of the thriving Greenwood district, often called “Black Wall Street.” The massacre resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Black residents and the obliteration of their homes and businesses (Human Rights Watch).

The economic impact of this tragedy was immense. According to the Brookings Institution, the estimated financial losses from the massacre amount to $200 million in today’s dollars (Brookings Institution). This figure represents the value of destroyed homes and property, but many believe the true cost is much higher.

In the aftermath of the massacre, Black residents filed over $4 million in claims. Yet, this sum likely underestimates the full extent of the damage (Beyond Apology Report). The ripple effects of this devastation continue to shape Tulsa’s economic landscape today.

Lingering Economic Disparities

The Brookings Institution

The chart displays the estimated financial losses from the Tulsa Race Massacre in today’s dollars, quantified at $200 million. This figure represents destroyed homes and property values.

The Tulsa Race Massacre’s impact extends far beyond the immediate destruction. Today, stark economic disparities persist in Tulsa, reflecting the long-lasting effects of the massacre and subsequent discriminatory policies. Consider these sobering statistics:

  • Black residents make up only 10% of Tulsa’s population
  • Black-owned businesses account for a mere 1.25% of all businesses in the city
  • The poverty rate in North Tulsa, historically Black, stands at 35.7%
  • In contrast, South Tulsa’s poverty rate is 13.4%

These figures paint a clear picture of ongoing inequality (Brookings Institution). The low percentage of Black-owned businesses and the high poverty rates in North Tulsa highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.

The Call for Reparations

For decades, survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre have called for reparations. These demands have led to formal apologies and the creation of a scholarship initiative. However, no direct financial compensation has been provided (New York Times).

The fight for justice continues. The last two known survivors of the massacre, now over a hundred years old, sought reparations through legal channels. Sadly, their case was dismissed by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June (New York Times). This dismissal underscores the urgent need for alternative paths to justice.

Beyond Apology Commission: A New Hope for Reparations

In a groundbreaking move, the mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, has announced the creation of a commission tasked with developing a plan for reparations related to the Tulsa Race Massacre. This 13-member committee, known as the Beyond Apology Commission, marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing injustices stemming from the 1921 tragedy (Washington Post).

The commission’s primary focus will be on forging a plan for a housing equity program. This initiative aims to benefit massacre survivors and their descendants, addressing one of the most tangible and lasting impacts of the massacre – the loss of property and generational wealth (Washington Post).

But the commission’s scope extends beyond housing. It will investigate potential reparations for:

  • Victims of the massacre
  • Heirs of the victims
  • Residents of North Tulsa

This comprehensive approach recognizes that the impact of the massacre reaches far beyond those directly affected in 1921 (New York Times).

Learning from Past Recommendations

The Beyond Apology Commission is not the first attempt to address the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Nearly 20 years ago, the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 made several recommendations. These included:

  1. Direct payments to survivors and descendants
  2. Establishment of a scholarship fund
  3. Creation of an economic enterprise zone
  4. Creation of a memorial

However, these recommendations have yet to be fully implemented (Human Rights Watch). The new commission has the opportunity to learn from this history and push for more concrete action.

Overcoming Legal Hurdles

One of the major obstacles to reparations has been legal barriers. The statute of limitations has often been used to dismiss claims related to the massacre. To address this, there are calls for action at both the federal and local levels:

A member of the US Congress should reintroduce and pass legislation to clear the legal hurdle that the statute of limitations poses. This would allow civil claims related to the Tulsa race massacre and its aftermath to be heard (Human Rights Watch).

At the local level, the state of Oklahoma and city of Tulsa should commit not to assert any statute of limitations defense in claims brought against them in connection with the massacre. This would allow these claims to be heard on their merits (Human Rights Watch).

Community Development Initiatives in Tulsa

The Beyond Apology Commission’s work is part of a broader effort to address the long-term impacts of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Community development initiatives are crucial in this context. These efforts aim to rebuild and revitalize areas that have suffered from decades of disinvestment and neglect.

The Brookings Institution

This pie chart illustrates various demographic statistics for Tulsa neighborhoods, including the share of the black population, the percentage of black-owned businesses, and poverty rates in North and South Tulsa. The specific figures highlight disparities in economic opportunities and living conditions.

One key area of focus is the restoration of Black-owned property. The massacre resulted in the destruction of numerous Black-owned homes and businesses. Restoring and supporting Black property ownership is seen as a vital step in addressing the economic disparities that persist in Tulsa (Beyond Apology Report).

Other potential initiatives include:

  • Creating housing programs for Black families
  • Developing healthcare programs in North Tulsa
  • Supporting education and job training initiatives
  • Investing in infrastructure improvements in historically Black neighborhoods

The Role of Education

Education plays a crucial role in addressing the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconciliation Act, passed in 2001, called for the creation of scholarships for low-income Tulsans (Harvard Business School). However, the act did not ensure funding for these initiatives, relying primarily on private sources.

The Beyond Apology Commission has the opportunity to revisit and strengthen these educational initiatives. This could include:

  1. Fully funding scholarship programs
  2. Incorporating the history of the massacre into school curricula
  3. Supporting adult education programs in North Tulsa
  4. Funding research into the ongoing impacts of the massacre

The Importance of Memorialization

Memorialization efforts are another crucial aspect of addressing the Tulsa Race Massacre’s legacy. The 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconciliation Act called for the building of a memorial to the massacre’s victims (Harvard Business School). While some progress has been made in this area, there’s still work to be done.

The Beyond Apology Commission could consider additional memorialization efforts, such as:

  • Creating a museum dedicated to the history of Greenwood and the massacre
  • Establishing public art installations throughout Tulsa
  • Developing educational programs and tours
  • Supporting community events that commemorate the massacre and celebrate Black culture

The Path Forward: Advocating for Reparations in Oklahoma

The establishment of the Beyond Apology Commission represents a significant step forward in the fight for reparations in Tulsa. However, it’s just the beginning of a long process. Advocacy will play a crucial role in ensuring that the commission’s recommendations are implemented and that the push for justice continues.

Key areas for advocacy include:

  1. Pushing for full implementation of the commission’s recommendations
  2. Lobbying for state and federal legislation to support reparations efforts
  3. Raising awareness about the ongoing impacts of the massacre
  4. Building coalitions with other racial justice initiatives
  5. Ensuring that survivor and descendant voices remain central to the process

The path to racial justice in Tulsa is long and complex. But with sustained effort and commitment, there’s hope for meaningful change. The Beyond Apology Commission represents a crucial step towards acknowledging the past and building a more equitable future for all Tulsans.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Racial Justice in Tulsa

The creation of the Beyond Apology Commission marks a pivotal moment in Tulsa’s history. It represents an opportunity to address the long-standing injustices stemming from the 1921 Race Massacre and to forge a path towards true racial equity in the city.

The commission’s work is not just about addressing past wrongs. It’s about creating a more just and equitable future for all Tulsans. By focusing on housing equity, investigating broader reparations, and considering community development initiatives, the commission has the potential to make real, lasting change.

However, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained commitment from city leaders, ongoing advocacy from community members, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the city’s past. As Tulsa takes this bold step, it has the opportunity to become a model for other cities grappling with their own histories of racial violence and discrimination.

The road ahead is long, but with the establishment of the Beyond Apology Commission, Tulsa has taken an important step towards justice and healing. The eyes of the nation will be watching as this historic process unfolds.

FAQ

Q: What is the Beyond Apology Commission?

A: The Beyond Apology Commission is a 13-member committee established by the mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to develop a plan for reparations related to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Its primary focus is on creating a housing equity program for massacre survivors and their descendants.

Q: What were the estimated financial losses from the Tulsa Race Massacre?

A: According to the Brookings Institution, the estimated financial losses from the Tulsa Race Massacre amount to $200 million in today’s dollars. This figure represents the value of destroyed homes and property.

Q: What are some of the ongoing economic disparities in Tulsa?

A: Significant economic disparities persist in Tulsa. Black residents make up only 10% of the population and own just 1.25% of businesses. The poverty rate in North Tulsa, historically Black, is 35.7%, compared to 13.4% in South Tulsa.

Q: Have there been previous attempts to address the legacy of the Tulsa Race Massacre?

A: Yes, nearly 20 years ago, the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921 made several recommendations, including direct payments to survivors and descendants, establishment of a scholarship fund, creation of an economic enterprise zone, and creation of a memorial. However, these recommendations have not been fully implemented.

Q: What legal hurdles have prevented reparations for the Tulsa Race Massacre?

A: The statute of limitations has often been used to dismiss claims related to the massacre. There are calls for federal legislation to clear this legal hurdle and for local authorities to commit not to assert statute of limitations defenses in claims related to the massacre.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.