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The political leader, voting rights activist and New York Times bestselling author will address guests in Tulsa during the televised event.
TULSA, Okla. – The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission announced today political activist Stacey Abrams will keynote ‘Remember & Rise’ commemoration event. Abrams, a voting rights activist, best known for a decade of voter-access and political infrastructure work that turned the state of Georgia democratic in 2020, will address attendees during the nationally televised event on Monday, May 31.
“We are honored to welcome Stacey Abrams to Tulsa for the Centennial,” said Phil Armstrong, Project Director for the Centennial Commission. “Her tireless efforts to create equity and access for Black Georgia voters has inspired the entire country to reenvision what inclusive structures, systems and communities should look like. We are excited to hear from Stacey in person and apply her tenacity and dedication to the reconciliation of Greenwood beyond this year.”
Abrams served for eleven years in the Georgia House of Representatives and was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 2018. She was the first Black woman to become the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in the United States and was the first Black woman and first Georgian to deliver a Response to the State of the Union.
“The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is a story of remarkable loss and tragedy, but it also speaks to the resilience and strength of the Greenwood community. This Centennial commemoration compels us to reflect on this tragic history, without which reconciliation is impossible. Its reverberations continue across communities today, where too many Black Americans face economic hardship, disproportionate police and gun violence, and assaults on their freedom to vote,” Abrams said. “I join in the recognition of what Tulsa’s Black families endured 100 years ago, knowing that together, we can create a more equitable nation where systemic racism is conquered at last.”
In addition to Abrams, the ‘Remember & Rise’ commemoration will feature local speakers and musical performances from acclaimed artist and activist John Legend and other performers.
The event, hosted at ONEOK Field in the historic Greenwood District, is free to attend with ticketed registration; registration opens Friday, May 21 at www.tulsa2021.org.
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission will announce additional speakers and performers throughout the month of May. Gates will open at ONEOK Field at Noon on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31 and early attendees will enjoy a mixture of local artist performances and speakers. The formal program, including headliner John Legend, is from 4 to 6 pm. Musical performances will continue throughout the evening until attendees are asked to join on the streets of the Greenwood District for a candlelight vigil marking the beginning of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre at 10:30 pm.
Additional ‘Remember & Rise’ details include the following:
• Tickets are required for entrance.
• Tickets are available to the public at no cost to attend.
• Registration to secure tickets is available beginning Friday, May 21 online at Tulsa2021.org.
• Security requirements and COVID precautions for attendees will be detailed on the website when registration opens.
• Attendees should expect street closures and visit the website to learn more about available parking, rideshare drop-off locations and available shuttles.