Greetings!
In 1921, Tulsa was devastated by one of the most violent and horrific race riots in American history. Today, we have an opportunity to create a reconciliation park that would never let us forget the 1921 Tulsa race riots, and become an enduring symbol of reconciliation and hope. The completion of this park is long overdue. The State authorized $5 million in 2001, and I have been working with community leaders to get the remaining $1.3 million for this project appropriated.
On March 18, we met with legislators to request that the additional funding be appropriated and released to Tulsa so we can finish building the Memorial and the state's promise will be fulfilled.
Why is this important to Tulsa?
We must make sure the promise is kept so together we can create a unique national model for community reconciliation, whether it is to bring people together for conferences, study, research, work on school projects or to engage Tulsans in community dialogue, break down cultural barriers and find a deeper personal understanding.
This monument will help us remember our history and begin to heal long-standing wounds while also honoring John Hope Franklin, Tulsa’s prominent son, who at the age of 93 is an internationally acclaimed historian, civil rights leader, advisor to presidents and recipient of national and international awards.
With this attraction, which has the potential to become a national park, Tulsa can revive an urban renewal area with an estimated $6.4 million economic impact annually. This Center will attract tourists and citizens to an area of Tulsa that needs economic revival.
It is the right thing to do. The Park and the Center will create a foundation for community dialogue, sharing and unity.
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor
March 25, 2008
Funding Sought for
John Hope Franklin Park
Completion of the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park will help heal long-standing wounds of the most violent and horrific race riots that transpired in Tulsa and American History. This memorial will stand as a symbol of reconciliation and serve as a center for understanding and dialogue about race in America.
“The time is now,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor. “It is imperative that the State Legislature and Oklahoma Historical Society follow through with their commitment to this vital project. Legislators can send a clear signal to our citizens that it’s time to break down the cultural barriers, and foster the dialogue that will lead to understanding and reconciliation.”
Clean Air Efforts in Tulsa
“Cleaner air is on the horizon for the Tulsa area thanks to the efforts of Terra Nitrogen,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor.”
Taylor was referring to a substantial voluntary clean-air effort by Terra Nitrogen which was announced Thursday at Tulsa’s Central Center. The commitment allows Tulsa to meet the terms of a recently approved 8-hour Ozone Flex Agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency.
The event was hosted by the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG), and the Board Chairman, John Selph.
In her comments Taylor congratulated Terra Nitrogen for their significant contribution to Tulsa’s air quality.
Burglary Task Force
Has Early Success
Last year the Mayor¹s Safe City Initiative campaign was launched to reduce violent crime in Tulsa. Early statistics show that the program is having a positive impact on crime. To tackle the issue of burglaries, a task force was created by the Tulsa Police Department and patterned after the Safe City Initiative. The task force was launched internally March 9th.
By the time the targeted enforcement effort was announced publicly on March 19, the task force had made 36 arrests, seized 11 firearms and recovered several lots of stolen property.
Tulsa Police Chief Ron Palmer, joined by Deputy Chiefs Mark McCrory, Dennis Larsen and Mark Andrus, made the announcement in a press conference at Police headquarters.
Focus on Fitness
FOX23, a Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Partner, is taking the lead in health and fitness and encouraging Tulsans to Move it for a healthy you!
The Move it! program is committed to increasing awareness of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles in Green Country and providing solutions to this growing problem by focusing on family lifestyles.
In January, FOX 23 selected the Power family to take on the challenge of getting fit in 2008 and provided them with a personal trainer and nutritionist. The family's progress is being featured on monthly broadcasts throughout the year.
Let the Mayor’s Action
Center Help You
Do you have a pothole in your neighborhood or need to resolve another important city related incident? The Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) is available to take your call, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for holidays.
Staff members of the MAC can help answer your questions about city services, log complaints, provide ticket and municipal court information, or direct you to the appropriate department or city employee to speak with you. The MAC staff can even provide you with information about upcoming scheduled events or street problems.
Mayor Taylor Judges
for TPS Cooking Contest
Mayor Kathy Taylor and five other judges including Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Zolkoski recently sampled some healthy, kid-friendly food and chose the best out of 10 recipes at the Tulsa Public Schools first Elementary Culinary Competition.
The junior chefs prepared and displayed their creations with assistance from Tulsa Public Schools Child Nutrition staff members. Judges were looking for healthy, delicious foods that were simple and fun for kids to make and eat.
Women’s History Month
Celebrates Tulsa Women
March is Women’s History Month, and we celebrate and recognize female leaders who have made a difference in the history of our great city.
Here in Tulsa, the list reads like a veritable honor roll with great women such as Judge Stephanie Seymour, Susan Savage, Dorothy DeWitty, Darla Hall, Norma Eagleton and Kathleen Coan – all pioneers in their fields and exemplary civic leaders who have made a difference in the lives of our citizens.
Senior Judge Stephanie Seymour, who currently serves as a Senior Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, was the first woman judge on the Tenth Circuit and also the first woman Chief Judge of the circuit.
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