Today, the Beyond Apology Commission (BAC) released recommendations related to housing aimed at creating intergenerational wealth among Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, their descendants, and residents of North Tulsa and Greenwood.

 

“As mayor, I am grateful for the dedication and work of the Beyond Apology Commission," Mayor Nichols said. "The Commissioners took on the nearly impossible task of aligning around a plan to appropriately address the harm caused by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. I look forward to reviewing their recommendations and, in the coming weeks, share a framework that will serve as proof that Tulsa is united in healing the wounds left by the Massacre nearly 104 years ago."

The Commission’s recommendations were developed in late 2024 as part of the Commission's first charge outlined in its executive order. The recommendations were built on national best practices and previous research done through a community-led process that occurred in 2022-2023 that led to the 2023 Beyond Apology Report.

The Commission, which is made up of 13 members, is tasked with work to reconcile, restore, and unite Tulsa in a goal of shared prosperity for all Tulsans by advancing and restoring economic mobility, prosperity, and intergenerational wealth for the 1921 Race Massacre survivors, their descendants, and residents of North Tulsa, particularly those in the historic Greenwood District and surrounding neighborhoods.

 

"I am proud of the work this commission has done and is doing to ensure that the voices of the Beyond Apology community are not only acknowledged but put into action. This initiative is a pivotal move in confronting the enduring impact of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and redlining in North Tulsa, transforming community-driven solutions into lasting progress." - Kristi Williams, Commission Chair

 

"The work of the commission and commitment from Mayor Nichols to this effort are a tremendous step towards long overdue justice and repair." - Greg Robinson II

"As a steadfast advocate for justice and repair, I am committed to implementing policies that create real, tangible solutions for those who have been harmed. These housing recommendations reflect that commitment - policies designed to address the ongoing disparities that Greenwood descendants continue to face. This is about taking meaningful action within our power to move beyond apology and toward real repair. Descendant communities that have been harmed have the right to organize and petition for local reparations, just as our community did through the Beyond Apology meetings. Legislators have an obligation to ensure resources are directed toward this effort, as I and others are doing now." - District 1 City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper

These recommendations are the first set of recommendations prepared by the Beyond Apology Commission. Ultimately, the Commission has seven other community priorities it will be working on in addition to Housing, which include Education; Systems Change; Financial Compensation; Community & Economic Development; Land; Health & Wellness; and Cultural Identity.

The next Beyond Apology Commission meeting will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, at Tulsa City Hall, 175 E. 2nd St., in the 10-North Conference Room.

See the recommendations and get more information about the Beyond Apology Commission at www.cityoftulsa.org/beyondcommission.