Tulsa osteology lab examines remains from race massacre for burial history insights

The Tulsa Women's Commission meeting on February 7, 2025, focused on several key initiatives aimed at enhancing community engagement and addressing local issues. The meeting highlighted the ongoing investigation into the Tulsa Race Massacre, emphasizing the importance of the osteology lab's work in analyzing remains and artifacts recovered from the site.

During the session, officials provided an overview of the radiography process used in the lab, which allows for detailed examination of skeletal remains and associated artifacts. This method significantly reduces the time spent manually sifting through soil, enabling researchers to gather vital information about the individuals buried there, including potential causes of death and personal histories. The lab's meticulous approach ensures that each burial is treated with respect and that remains are kept separate to maintain their integrity.

In addition to the investigation updates, the meeting also addressed the Destination District Program, which aims to revitalize various neighborhoods in Tulsa. This initiative seeks to create vibrant, self-sustaining districts that enhance the quality of life for residents and attract visitors.

The commission also discussed efforts to improve communication with citizens, including live-streaming meetings and offering customizable email newsletters. These steps are part of a broader strategy to engage more community members in planning efforts and ensure that diverse voices are heard in local governance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing historical injustices while fostering community development and participation. The next steps involve continuing the investigation and implementing the Destination District Program to enhance the vibrancy of Tulsa's neighborhoods.