President Biden coming to Tulsa for Commemoration

TULSA (KOCO) — President Joe Biden is coming to Tulsa next week for the commemoration of 100 years since the Tulsa Race Massacre.

A White House spokesperson confirmed that Biden will travel to Tulsa on Tuesday, June 1.

The massacre took place May 31 and June 1 in 1921. The Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is planning the “Remember & Rise” event on May 31 featuring performance by singer John Legend and speakers, including political activist Stacey Abrams.

Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum posted a statement on social media:

“We are grateful that President Biden will join in the centennial commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. His visit honors our neighbors who were killed in this city’s worst moment and the work being done to build a better Tulsa for future generations.”

Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Tulsa, chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, released the following statement:

“I am appreciative of President Biden’s support of the historic Greenwood District, and I appreciate his understanding of the significance of the centennial commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 100 years ago, racism and hatred took away lives and generational wealth from Black Oklahomans. As Americans, we can no longer allow ourselves to gloss over the uncomfortable parts of our history, but instead, we must confront them. Having a U.S. President come and participate in the centennial is a great step in that direction, especially one like President Biden who has shown a willingness to have the hard conversations we so desperately need to have.”