Beyond Apology: Tulsa commission tackles housing and more in reparative efforts

TULSA, OKLA (KTUL) — Friday was the first meeting for a Tulsa commission looking at reparations for Tulsa Race Massacre descendants and north Tulsa. This comes after the city’s Beyond Apology report last year discovered a need for reparations that’s more than just financial compensation. For the next six weeks, the newly formed Beyond Apology Commission the City of Tulsa created will look at reparations for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre descendants and the damages the north Tulsa community experienced 103 years later. This comes after the Beyond Apology report came out last year that covers the community’s needs and wants when it comes to reparative justice and reparations. City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper who’s helping lead the commission says the 10 board members are focusing on eight areas in the form of reparations. “Education, financial compensation, community, economic development, housing, health and wellness, land, systems, and culture identity,” Hall-Harper said. The first focus of the commission is housing. So, until November 30, board members will look at more affordable housing and investments, but Hall-Harper assures people they will cover all eight areas over time. Mayor G.T. Bynum has an ask from Tulsans. “Those who may be suspicious of this commission because...