Hundreds gather in Tulsa to protest police brutality 99-years after Race Massacre

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Published 05/30/2020 | Reading Time 2 min 23 sec 

By BWSTimes Staff 

On the eve of the 99th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, hundreds of residents peacefully demonstrate in a community-wide call for justice and reform in the city of Tulsa

TULSA, OK – “Over the past few months, the world has watched as unarmed Black men and women have been murdered at the hands of police and vigilante” – Clint Smith, 2015

The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have reignited a recognition of the ongoing, relentless brutality of racism in America and have initiated a renewed uprising in the call for justice and true reform.

Here in Tulsa, we know this pain all too well. We have watched as Eric Harris, Terence Crutcher, Joshua Barre and Joshua Harvey were murdered at the hands of law enforcement officers. We have watched as the community has protested, rallied, met with local officials, spoken out at city hall meetings and fought ceaselessly for change for years on end.

Unfortunately, that change has not yet come. Today, as the nation is once again forced to confront its own systemic racism, Tulsans are peacefully uniting demanding that change comes – and comes today. Collectively, these peaceful protestors are calling on Mayor Bynum to do the following:

– Initiate the police oversight he promised with the implementation of a strong OIM modeled after 

 Denver

– Settle the cases against the city for the families of Terence Crutcher, Joshua Barre and Joshua

 Harvey families

– Initiate a greater investment in mental health training and supports in TPD practices through a decreased investment in efforts utilizing force.

Now, as much as ever before, it is time for our leaders to come alongside the people of this city who, through their hurt, are continuing a diligent and united call for reform, for change – for something better.

 We hope they will finally choose to hear us.