Mayor says reparations would divide the city, focuses on development

Tulsa, Okla. (KTUL) — There has been a call for reparations for the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, but the mayor of Tulsa is weighing in officially and says it is not anything he is focused on right now.

“I’m not I know people have opinions on that but the things I’m focused on that’s just not a cash payment to people,” explained Mayor G.T. Bynum.

• RELATED | Meeting tonight to discuss next steps in search for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre mass graves

He says he's focused on developing property in north Tulsa and the former Black Wall Street area.

The plan is for the city to accept proposals for two thirds of the Evans Fintube property, which will also house the new BMX Olympic Training Center.

While the mayor says the goal of the city is to focus on rebuilding wealth, others feel that development is not enough.

• RELATED | Over a hundred people tour the timeline of the 1921 Race Massacre in downtown Tulsa

“That’s definitely not reparations, definitely not justice, and definitely not what we as a community need as far as healing,” said Pastor Robert Turner of Vernon AME.

He has been marching and calling for reparations at City Hall every Wednesday.

The mayor says a committee is reviewing proposals for a national planning group that would work with citizens to communicate their desires for the properties.