Tensions flare over African-American Affairs Commission

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — She entered city hall today with hopes of attending an inter-cultural advisory committee meeting.

"They told me it was a private meeting," said community activist Vanessa Hall-Harper. And for her, that was the latest slap in the face in her quest to get an African-American Affairs Commission created, which has been an ordeal in itself.

"This has been going on for well over a year," "she said.

You might think she'd ask for help from her city councilor, but...

"No, he has not been supportive, in fact he has said publicly that he is not in favor of an African-American Affairs Commission," she said.

"I think 40, 50 years ago it probably would have been great but right now I don't know if we need one," said Tulsa city councilor Jack Henderson. He says the commission wouldn't have any real power.

"Something like a little old token committee is an embarrassment to a lot of people that come talk to me," he said.

"We feel like we should be at the table," said Hall-Harper.

"And to keep saying a voice at the table, you got a voice at the table, his name is Jack Henderson, he's the representative for District one, I represent my community well, and I'll always do that," he said.

Adding to the drama is that Hall-Harper is running against Henderson this November.

"There could be some political implications with that as well as far as his non-support," she said.

"She's trying to make it personal because she hasn't done anything in this community to make a difference, so here she is running against a councilman that has been there for 14 years representing this community and she wants to try and grandstand," he said.