AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

AFRICAN AMERICAN AFFAIRS COMMISSION

Tulsa has a Hispanic Commission, Indian Affairs Commission and a Status of Women Commission yet to-date the City of Tulsa has failed to allow a vote on the establishment of an African-American Affairs Commission. African Americans, Tulsa’s largest minority population (15.6% according to a 2014 census) fails to have representation, citizen participation, a venue or a voice in city government.

With a history of black criminalization, discrimination, and the subduing of an entire community, the need is greater than ever. Staffed by a board of community members, an African American Affairs Commission will reduce inequality, advance social justice, influence legislation and launch a platform to advocate a voice in Tulsa’s Black Community. Beyond promoting economic development, education, health, wellness and political well-being, a Commission will improve cultural awareness, extend community outreach and represent the needs of Black Tulsan’s in the legislative and policy-making body of city government.

An African American Affairs Commission will serve as a conduit for policy, programs, projects and infrastructure improvements. The Commission will advise the Mayor on issues that are unique to, and directly impact Tulsa’s African-American Community. The need for active advocacy and policy engagement is real. In a city the size of Tulsa, active advocacy and viable minority representation must be present on city advisory and community planning committees.

In June, Tulsa adopted a resolution to become a Compassionate Community (part of the International Campaign for Compassionate Communities) “to promote peace and attract a diverse population”. The Charter for Compassion Community states: “In a Compassionate Community, the needs of all the inhabitants of that community are recognized and met, the well-being of the entire community is a priority, and all people and living things are treated with respect.” I ask our Mayor and sitting council members – “Where is the respect for the Black Community? Are the African-American inhabitants of North Tulsa not part of the community outlined in the definition of a Compassionate Community? Many African-American residents of North Tulsa see the adoption of this initiative as a hollow gesture, can you blame them?

On January 4, 2016 a Resolution Establishing the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission was drawn up, however as of today it remains a pipe-dream on a piece of paper. I understand there are budget concerns and pressure on city planners, what I refuse to accept is Tulsa’s Mayor, and current city administration stalling a vote and making excuses. Black Tulsans living on Tulsa’s north side lack a commission dedicated to giving them an official advisory voice in city government at a time when many of the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement are being stymied. When many are forced to live in a socio-political and economic climate drenched in separatism and inequalities.

Section II-1 of the Oklahoma State Constitution reads: “All political power is inherent in the people; and government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and to promote their general welfare…” African-Americans living in Tulsa’s Black Community are people too. The time for action is now. Tulsa’s Black Community deserves it.