The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
On the anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the John Hope Franklin National Symposium: Reconciliation Through the Lens of Art and Culture’s opening ceremonies will launch with a powerful and symbolic community walk for healing. Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31, the “Walk for Reconciliation” symbolizeswill have people arriving from the south and the north—meeting in a symbolic embrace of unity at the location of the race massacre 96 years ago. Participants will meet for the Walk at John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park at 321 N. Detroit Ave.
“I ask people to pause and think about what the Walk of Reconciliation symbolizes,” Jean Neal Programs Manager of the John Hope Franklin Center (JHFC) said. “Tulsa is in a time of need for deep healing and participating in this walk will create the space for that healing to occur.”
The opening ceremonies are free and open to the public. Following the Walk, the ” Greenwood Experience: A Living History Tour” will take place on Greenwood Ave. reanimated as it appeared in 1921. Visitors will have the opportunity to listen to shop keepers and citizens recount stories of life at that time.
All Souls Church created an exclusive production of “Soulful Journey: Black History in America through Music” for the opening ceremony.
“The timing of the Symposium is significant, not only in relation to our history but also because of the challenges Tulsa is facing today,” David B. Smith, All Souls Executive Director of Worship said. “It’s an honor to bring ‘Soulful Journey’ and the stories of Black History in America through the artistry of music to a wider audience.”
All Souls choirs and ministers will join local artists for the musical production exploring how music has shaped survival, communication, and social change. “Soulful Journey” features Arthur Thompson and A Taste of Africa, David B. Smith and the New Dimensions Chorale, Rick Fortner, Barron Ryan, Tavis Minner, Eldridge Jackson, Majeste Pearson, and Phena Hackett.
The opening ceremonies will conclude with the keynote speaker, Dr. Kimberley Ellis. With a dissertation on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Dr. Ellis promises a lively, interactive, and inspirational address regarding Reconciliation through Art and Culture. ___________________________________
JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN SYMPOSIUM ON RECONCILIATION
Opening Ceremonies
Wednesday, May 31 | 5:30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
5:30 p.m. | Walk for Reconciliation
Community walks to reflect the atrocities of the past while taking a symbolic path of healing and unity for the future.
6:00 p.m. | Greenwood Experience: A Living History Tour
Tour the streets of Greenwood Ave. as they appeared in 1921. Listen to shop keepers and citizens recount stories of life at that time.
6:45 p.m. | Soulful Journey: Black History in America through Music
All Souls exclusive production of Soulful Journey for the 2017 JHF Symposium explores how music has shaped survival, communication, and social change.
7:30 p.m. | Dr. Kimberly Ellis, Keynote
With a dissertation on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Dr. Ellis promises a lively, interactive, and inspirational address regarding Reconciliation through Art and Culture.
