The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
Thursday, September 16th will mark five years since Terence Crutcher was cruelly and unjustifiably killed by Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby during a routine traffic stop. Terence, a beloved family man, college student and member of his church choir, was unarmed with his hands in the air when Shelby shot him in cold blood. Since then, Tulsans of all walks of life have called, marched and worked for change and justice that has not yet come.
However, even as local leaders may be quick to dismiss calls for progress as “radical”, those who believe in justice across our city and country refuse to rest. This week, five years after Terence’s life was cut short, the foundation named in his honor will hold a series of events aimed at driving toward change and keeping Terence’s legacy alive.
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Monday, Sep 13, 2021: The Terence Crutcher Foundation will host a timely discussion on the importance of Black mentorship with the Thunder Fellows, the creators of the documentary Fruit, Etan Thomas, former NBA Player.
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Tuesday, Sep 14, 2021: Dr. Tiffany Crutcher joins the family of Julius Jones and advocates from across the country in a live virtual town hall to fight for Julius Jones’ freedom. This panel will be moderated by Eboni K. Williams
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Wednesday, Sep 15, 2021: The Terence Crutcher Foundation partners with Demanding a Just Tulsa to host a city-wide Day of Action to drive toward progress in Terence’s memory.
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Thursday, Sep 16, 2021: The Terence Crutcher Foundation hosts a candlelight vigil in Terence’s honor at the 36th St. North Event Center in Tulsa. Dr. Tiffany Crutcher will join National Leaders and others for a press conference in Washington, D.C. calling for a National day of advocacy
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Friday, Sep 17, 2021: The Terence Crutcher Foundation joins the NAACP and Georgetown University’s School of Law for a virtual town hall regarding the oppressive Oklahoma laws criminalizing and endangering the first amendment rights of peaceful protestors
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Saturday, Sep 18, 2021: The Terence Crutcher Foundation hosts a Day of Service at 36th St. North Event Center, offering free food and door prizes to community members. The event will include a free, walk-in vaccination clinic and a donation drive to support victims of Hurricane Ida. The foundation will also recognize 10 Black led organizations & community leaders.
Shortly before Terence passed, he told his twin sister Tiffany “God’s going to get the glory out of my life.”
Even as local and state leaders seek to cast aspersions on calls for change, reform and justice, the Crutcher family, the Terence Crutcher Foundation, and Tulsans all across our city remain unwaveringly committed to building something better for every Tulsan in Terence’s honor. Terence’s legacy lives on this week, and we invite every Tulsan who believes in justice to join us in this week of remembrance, service and action.