Commission Draws International Media

The Tulsa Race Riot Commission has drawn the attention of media from around the world. A report of the commission's activities in the January 29, TULSA WORLD was picked up by the Associated Press Tulsa correspondent, Kelly Kurt. The NEW YORK TIMES followed with an article and editorial in early February. Since the TIMES article a steady stream of print and broadcasting journalists have made their way to Tulsa. A partial list of print media includes; DALLAS MORNING NEWS, LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, CHICAGO TRIBUNE, as well as representatives from newspapers in Switzerland and Canada. The BBC has visited, along with Swedish National Television, ABC and a crew from 60 Minutes II.

The story that this legion of journalists are covering deals with the activities of the Tulsa Race Riot Commission. The Commission, which was empanelled in 1997 by the Oklahoma Legislature, is charged with drafting a definitive report on the May 31, 1921, riot. The twelve members of the Commission were appointed by Mayor Savage, Governor Keating and the Oklahoma Legislature. Their findings are anticipated to be published in January, 2000.

According to Scott Ellsworth, a noted historian and Tulsa native, the reaction of the journalists with whom he has worked has been surprising. "Every community has skeletons in its closet. Everyone who has visited has been impressed with the openness of Tulsa. The city is dealing with its skeleton in a very positive manner. It makes me proud to be a Tulsan."

The Tulsa Historical Society has been an invaluable resource both to the Commission and to visiting journalists. The museum's Mozella Franklin Jones Collection is unparalleled in its coverage of the riot.