TULSA — After speaking with people in the community, many are appreciative that the 1921 Race Massacre is getting the attention it deserves.
The Oaklawn Cemetery is said to be one of multiple potential burial sites for the victims.
"The pain is still there, a hundred years later, the pain is still there" diversity expert Risha Grant said.
That pain may be eased by what the mayor announced.
"The biggest thing was that, it's going to be investigated as a criminal, homicidal investigation. I think that was huge news for everybody," Grant said.
At Thursday's meeting, people spoke out about things that their parents or grandparents witnessed during the 1921 Race Massacre.
Some said they are ready to put the pain behind them.
"Otis Clark's daughter, who spoke about forgiveness, and Otis Clark, of course, was one of the survivors of the 1921 Race Massacre and she really honed in on forgiveness" Grant said.
The African American Resource Center Coordinator Alicia Latimer said that she knows it's going to take patience to get the answers they seek.
"Well, how long is too long if you've waited a hundred years? So I think, yes we need to be diligent and move as quickly as possible, but I don't have a time frame on what quickly as possible means," Latimer said.
The commission investigating the mass graves is uncertain on how long it will take to complete.
The mayor wants to get it right, and Latimer agrees.
"So I say do it, and do it right," Latimer said.
The next public oversight committee meeting is July 18. At that time, they plan to explain how they want to move forward.
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