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Commenter says the effects of the Tulsa Race Massacre persist; urges action during Race Massacre observance discussion
Summary
During public comments on a special-event application for a Tulsa Race Massacre observance, Bernice Alexander told the council the historic violence has enduring effects and criticized what she described as ongoing neglect of North Tulsa.
Bernice Alexander spoke during the public comment period concerning a special-event application for a Tulsa Race Massacre observance candlelight vigil, telling councilors the massacre’s impact has not ended and criticizing what she described as continuing government neglect of North Tulsa.
Alexander said she and her husband have worked in North Tulsa for more than 30 years and described projects they pursued — youth programs, federal complaints to address sewer and drinking-water failures, HUD complaints seeking cleanup and housing — to improve living conditions. She said those efforts yielded some street and housing repairs but that the community continues to face systemic neglect.
"The Tulsa Race Massacre has never stopped. You've just changed the weapon," Alexander said. "You continue to sit down here and try to deprive that community of what has been given to them to restore their community. And you act like the people that live in that community don't matter."
Her remarks were delivered as public comment; the transcript does not show a council response or formal action tied directly to her remarks during this meeting. Alexander said federal funds have flowed into the community since about 1968 and described filing EPA and HUD complaints in past decades. She called on councilors to change their approach toward North Tulsa.
The comment was recorded as part of the public-record statements on mayor’s item 4(w), the event application for the observance.
