GTAC Monthly Meeting – August 11, 2026

The Greater Tulsa African American Commission (GTAC) held a short regular meeting on August 11, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM. The meeting covered committee reports, membership recruitment updates, and progress on strategic initiatives. Commissioners approved the minutes from the June 2026 meeting and heard reports from several committees.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (June 2026): The minutes from the previous month's meeting were reviewed and approved by unanimous voice vote. (Motion by Commissioner Williams, second by Commissioner Breckner.)

Discussion Items

• Executive Committee Report (Membership Recruitment): The Chair reported that the GTAC has 23 total seats, currently filled with 17 members. The Black Wall Street Chamber has submitted a nominee, now awaiting city council confirmation, which would bring the count to 18. The remaining five vacancies include one at-large seat (mayoral appointment) and four organization-recommended seats. The Chair noted ongoing discussions with the mayor’s office regarding the criteria for appointing organizations, including the possibility of for-profit entities, and emphasized the desire for organizations with a track record and longevity. A commissioner noted that eligibility criteria are defined in the GTAC ordinance, which is publicly available.
• Strategic Focus Committee: The committee, composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, and previous Chair, is developing a census questionnaire for community input. Each committee has been asked to submit feedback via a shared Google Doc. A subgroup (Commissioners Dickens, Wilson, and Stuckey) will compile the responses to finalize the survey.
• Policy Recommendations Committee: No report was given. A commissioner stated there was nothing to report.
• Community Engagement & Culture Committee: The committee is creating a “Black Tulsa Guide” – a directory of Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, festivals, and community resources. The goal is to launch a draft website by January 2027, with a push for completion by November 2026. The committee chair requested that commissioners submit relevant organizations and businesses.
• Education & Skill Building Committee: The committee met the previous night and focused on the “Educator of the Year” awards. Proposed categories, nomination criteria, and an outreach strategy were discussed. The awards will expand beyond traditional K-12 to include higher education, tech/career/technical schools, libraries, and other educational institutions. An online nomination form and timeline are being finalized. The committee will also begin distributing minutes to all members.
• Human Rights Commission Liaison Report: A commissioner reported that the Human Rights Commission is working to modernize its complaint form, currently difficult to access and requiring in-person submission at City Hall. On July 29, 2026, the City Council’s Urban and Economic Development Committee considered an amendment to Tulsa’s revised ordinances to remove the requirement that complaints be filed with the city clerk. Attendees were supportive, and the measure is expected to proceed favorably. The next Human Rights Commission meeting is scheduled for the following Monday.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: The June 2026 meeting minutes were approved by voice vote with no opposition.
• Survey Development: The Strategic Focus Committee will finalize the community questionnaire using input from all committees.
• Black Tulsa Guide: The Community Engagement Committee aims to have a draft website by January 2027.
• Educator of the Year Awards: The Education Committee will finalize nomination forms and a timeline.
• Human Rights Complaint Process: The proposed ordinance amendment to simplify complaint filing is expected to receive favorable consideration from the full City Council.
• Retreat Recap: The Chair thanked commissioners who attended the joint retreat with other Title V commissions and Beyond Apology Commission; Commissioner McNeil received praise for her presentation on the GTAC newsletter.
• Old Business: The newsletter (back-to-school theme) was highlighted.
• New Business: A commissioner announced the Greenwood Chamber’s 100-year anniversary gala, inviting all to attend.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote after a motion by Commissioner Williams and a second by Commissioner Breckner.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were received or requested.