1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission Will Not Seek Sen. Lankford's Removal

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission has decided that they will not seek to remove U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) as a commissioner.

Related Story: Sen. Lankford Pens Apology To Black Tulsans Over Backlash From Contesting Election

The commission released a letter on Monday saying that it gave its members a two-week period to reflect on Senator Lankford's objections to the certification of electoral votes and the following Capitol insurrection on January 6th. The commission writes:

"At its core, the Centennial Commission is about reconciliation. For the purpose of achieving that goal, we must continue to harness our connective tissue – even when we are not in absolute agreement. Senator Lankford, despite clear differences (some of them profound), stands on common ground with us in terms of the importance of reconciliation as well as educating all United States citizens about Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, the storied “Black Wall Street,” including the massacre and its impact on Oklahoma and the nation"

The Centennial Commission believes deeply in racial reconciliation and inter-generational healing. To that end, we must continue to extend an olive branch. It is our inherent duty to show our partners the way.

For those reasons, we choose not to request Senator Lankford’s removal from the Centennial Commission, but instead, accept his apology and embrace his desire to reaffirm his commitment to help bring vital resources and opportunities to the Greenwood District, Black Tulsans, and Black Americans from coast to coast."

Read the Full Letter Below: