The recent officer-involved shootings and attacks in Dallas are reigniting the conversation about Tulsa's race relations; one community organizer is using his own history in the criminal justice system to promote discussion.
Richard Baxter was convicted on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to more than 120 years in prison. He convinced a court that he was unfairly targeted– the search that led to his conviction was done without a warrant and he was freed after serving five years.
"I don't think the officers were targeting me specifically because of my race, but in court I saw a lot of racial injustice," Baxter said.
He's now a paralegal. Last year, he started a nonprofit called #RacismStinks to promote racial unity and dialogue.
The continued officer-involved shootings is depressing and frustrating, he said. It's to the point he now believes the local Black community must unite and look internally for solutions before they can successfully appeal to authorities for change.
"Dallas can happen anywhere. It's sad to say. There's a lot of frustration. You never know when someone's unstable. Some people are extremists," he said. "It's a terrible situation, this loss of life (in Dallas). It hits close to home."
You can read more about Racism Stinks here.
