Beyond Apology Commission Regular Meeting – June 26, 2026

The Beyond Apology Commission convened on June 26, 2026, at 1:04 PM. The meeting focused on a proposed reparative ordinance for the protection of Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts, updates from the commission's committees, and planning for upcoming events. The meeting was adjourned following a motion by Commissioner Mason and a second from Commissioner Evans.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the May 15, 2026 meeting were approved by motion (Commissioner Mason) and second (Commissioner Evans). All commissioners present voted in favor; no opposition was noted.

Discussion Items

• Chair Report – Reparative Ordinance for Ancestral Remains: The chair reported on the development of a policy response to the discovery and treatment of Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts connected to racial violence. She submitted a working draft reparative ordinance packet to Councilor Vanessa Hall Harper and the Mayor's office. The proposed ordinance requires an immediate stop to disturbing activity when human remains are discovered; establishes descendant-centered consultation before decisions on removal, testing, or disposition; makes respectful reburial the default; protects cultural artifacts associated with remains; places financial responsibility on developers; and creates a Cultural and Racial Remains Review Panel. The ordinance is intentionally framed as reparative, not punitive. The chair also announced planning for the 2027 Tulsa Reparation Summit and a commission-wide book discussion on Tulsa Speaks.
• Commissioner Comments: Commissioners expressed strong support for the ordinance. One commissioner suggested a "call before you dig" type process for certain quadrants of the city, and another noted that artifacts were found during city projects (BMX and Langston facility) but were placed in boxes without a clear protocol. Councilor Hall Harper confirmed the ordinance will go through the standard city council process (first reading, second reading, public engagement).
• Committee Reports:
  • Education Committee: Dr. Curtis is developing a comprehensive app/website to aggregate city resources for the community, currently in idea stages and in discussion with the city, United Way, and 211.
  • Health and Wellness Committee: Elected officers (Co-Chair Tomika Gray) and is partnering with Crossover and Ascension St. John's health initiative and the Bed Rock Initiative.
  • Community Economic and Land Development Committee: Has been meeting regularly, focusing on identifying land and conducting research. Officers elected: Chair (speaker), Co-Chair William "Deuce" Tisdale, Secretary Commissioner Greg Taylor.
  • Other committees: No reports from Housing, Systems Change, Financial Compensation, Policy, or Cultural Identity, though the policy work on the ordinance was noted under Systems Change/Cultural Identity.
• Old Business: The chair reported a meeting with State Representative Ronald Stewart about an Illinois-style bill to fund ancestry DNA kits for Black Oklahomans. Although Oklahoma is a "super red state," the commission will continue to push for the idea at the city and state level.
• Equality Indicators: The 2025 edition of the Equality Indicators Report was released. The justice theme scored its worst since inception, dropping by 10 points. Commissioners noted the decline and questioned whether the Office of Resiliency and Equity's budget has increased to address the issues. Deontree (Office of Resiliency and Equity) confirmed the MTL grant ends September 30, 2026, and the budget has not increased, but they are seeking other resources.
• Justice for Greenwood Update: A representative reported that the group is in a planning phase, working with Creek Nation on freedmen issues, and will coordinate with the commission.

Key Outcomes

• The chair's proposed reparative ordinance for Black ancestral remains and cultural artifacts has been submitted to the city council and mayor's office for review. It will follow standard ordinance procedures (legal review, public hearings, council readings).
• Commissioners were encouraged to participate in the Title V and Beyond Apology Commission retreat on July [date] from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and in the Pub Club event on July 21 to engage young professionals.
• The commission will continue to explore state-level legislation for funded ancestry DNA testing, in partnership with Rep. Stewart.
• The meeting adjourned by unanimous vote.