TULSA, Okla. — A group of Greenwood activists concluded a lengthy virtual meeting Saturday afternoon.
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is weighing a response and discussing an apology letter from Okla. Senator James Lankford.
Senator Kevin Matthews, the Chairman and Founder of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, told 2 Works for You, "we discussed all of the things that have happened across the country. All of the things that were on the hearts and minds of all the people in the commission and in the community.”
100 years after the Tulsa Race Massacre, African-American leaders in Green Country are standing together against social injustice.
“This work is not easy. I don’t think any transformational is and I hope that this work ends up being transformational," Matthews said.
One of the groups goals is to inform and educate people about the massacre that took place in Greenwood one-hundred years ago and to raise ways to mend modern race relations.
Matthews told 2 Works for You, “to have Greenwood rise and tell that story is important to this community.”
Lankford issued the letter to apologize for his part in a U.S. Senate audit request of the Presidential election results.
In the letter, Lankford acknowledged his support of the audit was seen as casting doubt on black voters.
Lankford clarified saying, "my intent to give a voice to Oklahomans who had questions was never also an intent to diminish the voice of any black American."
After reviewing and accepting the apology letter, the commissioners met this weekend to analyze Lankford's actions and form a response.
“Carefully getting all of the thoughts of our commissioners, the community, and everybody involved to be clear with the decision that we make or don’t make," Matthews said.
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission stated that they will take time this weekend to form a formal response to Lankford's letter.
They plan to publish that response on Monday, Jan. 25.
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