The John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation today announced the results of a survey of Tulsa residents on race relations. The baseline survey measures Tulsa area attitudes on current racial issues and knowledge of racial history. The survey was developed by a collaborative research team from the Center for Reconciliation and the University of Oklahoma’s Center of Applied Research for Nonprofit Organizations.
“We think it is critical to fully understand how Tulsans feel about race,” said Karen Davis, Chair of the Research Advisory Team. “The recent incidents of violence our community has just experienced brings our work into sharp focus and renews our call to work toward reconciliation.”
Results are presented by focusing on comparisons among the four largest racial/ethnic groups (White, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American and American Indian).
Key Findings from all groups agreed that:
- Race relations are poor in Tulsa.
- Tulsa would benefit from increasing racial diversity in neighborhoods.
- The 1921 Race Riot should be taught in public schools.
“Clearly, Tulsans believe that achieving racial reconciliation would raise the quality of education, bring equal opportunity and fairness in employment, and improve the quality of life,” said Dr. Chad Johnson, project director and OU Associate Professor. “Further, they believe reconciliation would result in more diverse neighborhoods throughout the city.
The research process consisted of anonymous web-based and paper-and-pencil surveys that included qualitative and quantitative questions. A total of 2,063 people participated.
“This survey helps guide our work at the Center,” said Julius Pegues, JHF Board Chairman. “If we understand where we are and where we have been, we can provide a better future for our children.”
Community dialogues are scheduled to begin this summer. More information will be available on the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation website at www.jhfcenter.org.
The complete survey, including the Executive Summary, graphics, analysis and survey methodology can be downloaded at: www.jhfcenter.org.