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By Kristi Williams
On February 7, 2024, a landmark moment took place as representatives from the Beyond Apology team, Greg Robinson II, Kristi Williams along with members from The Public Work Project at OSU-Tulsa, Tami L. Moore, Ph.D, Cynthia Soto-Render, and Landon Wolf, presented the Beyond Apology report to the Tulsa City Council.
The report, a culmination of community perspectives, seeks repair and reparation in Tulsa, Oklahoma, particularly addressing the ongoing impact of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The authors acknowledged the foundations laid by State Representative Don Ross, the late Senator Maxine Horner, the 2001 Race Riot Commission Report, and Eddie Faye Gates.
Beyond Apology emerged as part of an ongoing push for justice, focusing on repair and reparation for the historical injustices of the Tulsa Race Massacre and its enduring consequences.
The report serves as a space for community education, touching upon critical aspects such as Tulsa City Council Resolution 20113, equity/equality data in Tulsa, studies and recommendations for reparations, case studies from the United States and around the world, and legal and legislative efforts for reparations in Tulsa.
The report prioritizes impacted community members, providing them with a platform to articulate their visions of repair and reparation.
Four sessions were held in different zip codes to ensure representation from the Greater Tulsa Area, featuring experts like Robin Rue Simmons, Dreisen Heath, Biliqis Wilkerson, Melanie Poulter, Ashley Phillipsen, and Tulsa City Councilors Lori Dector-Wright and Vanessa Hall-Harper.
You can view the presentation to Tulsa City Council here.
Focused Themes and Council Impact:
While the report encompasses eight themes, the authors concentrated on three that fall within the jurisdiction of the Tulsa City Council: Community & Economic Development, Housing & Home Ownership, and Land.
These themes address powers vested in the City Council, while others would require state or federal actions.
Historic Reparations Study:
For the first time in Tulsa’s history, a reparations report and recommendations of its kind were presented at the City Council, leaving a significant intellectual impact on its members.
The authors recommend establishing a government-sanctioned task force or commission to design and implement a reparations program. This program should include survivors and descendants of the Tulsa Race Massacre, along with Black Tulsans affected by discriminatory policies.
Differentiating Reparations from Equity:
The report emphasizes the crucial distinction between equity and reparations, with a call for a focused reparations program to rectify the specific harms endured by Black Tulsans over the past century.
Greg Robinson II stressed that while striving for equitable policy is essential, reparations are a targeted response to historical injustices.
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Hope for the Future:
The conclusion of the presentation expressed the need for Tulsa City Council and Mayor G.T. Bynum to form a Reparations Commission for Tulsa, marking a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the historical wrongs inflicted upon the Black community for over a century.
Beyond Apology stands as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and repair in the wake of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Read the full report here.
My Take Away:
Organizing, at its core, is about navigating complex paths, overcoming obstacles, and driving change through structured processes. The Beyond Apology team, composed of dedicated individuals and community leaders, exemplified the strength that lies in methodical and strategic planning.
Each meeting, session, and dialogue contributed to the robust foundation upon which the Beyond Apology presentation stood.
Success in the realm of organizing isn’t solely determined by the immediate outcomes; rather, it is rooted in the journey itself. The Beyond Apology team successfully brought together community perspectives, engaged experts, and presented a comprehensive report to the Tulsa City Council.
The impact of these efforts extends beyond the formation of a reparations commission, emphasizing the significance of the process in achieving broader goals.
The journey to this point serves as a valuable lesson in the dynamics of community organizing. It highlights the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and persistence. The process of organizing has empowered community members, amplified voices, and sparked a conversation that reverberates far beyond the confines of a single presentation.
Resilience in the fight for reparations
Even if the call for a reparations commission does not yield the anticipated response, the Beyond Apology team has achieved a significant milestone.
Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the community, the power of collective action, and the impact of organized processes in driving meaningful change.
Beyond Apology has not only highlighted existing data and added its own data collections through community members for the case of reparations but has also demonstrated the potency of the process in community organizing.
As the community awaits the decision on the formation of a reparations commission, it is crucial to acknowledge that the journey itself has been a success—an embodiment of the spirit of resilience, determination, and unity that defines the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of the Tulsa Race Massacre.
In the realm of advocacy and community engagement, there are individuals who transcend the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the path to justice and healing. Greg Robinson II, the driving force behind Beyond Apology, stands as a testament to the power of humility, generosity, and a genuine desire to make the world a better place.
Bearing witness to his tireless efforts invokes pride and joy, underscoring the rarity of a person so dedicated to positive change.
Beyond Apology is more than a document
Beyond Apology, a comprehensive report presented to the Tulsa City Council, is more than just a document; it is the culmination of Greg Robinson II’s blood, sweat, and tears. The labor invested in this initiative goes beyond the physical effort, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering reparative measures. It is a labor of love for a community and a cause greater than oneself.
Greg Robinson II’s creation of Beyond Apology is a historical narrative in the making. His unwavering dedication to the cause, coupled with a vision for repair and reparation, positions him as a key figure in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims and descendants of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Beyond Apology stands as a tangible expression of his commitment to effecting meaningful change.
In a world often marked by ego and self-interest, Greg Robinson II shines as a humble visionary. His actions speak louder than words, and his genuine desire to make a positive impact is evident in every aspect of Beyond Apology. The initiative not only addresses the tangible need for reparations but also serves as a testament to the power of humility in leadership.
As Greg Robinson II continues to forge ahead, creating history with Beyond Apology, one can’t help but imagine the pride and joy his parents would feel. Their spirits, hovering above, surely smile down.
In every step taken and every milestone achieved, their legacy lives on. Beyond Apology is not just a report; it is a living testament to the transformative power of one person’s vision and the indomitable spirit of a community striving for healing and reparations.