TULSA, Okla. (AP) - The 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission will allow U.S. Sen. James Lankford to remain on the board, even after several members called for his resignation because of objections he lodged concerning the 2020 presidential election.
In a statement Monday, the commission said it “believes deeply in racial reconciliation and inter-generational healing” and their decision to allow Lankford to stay is their inherent duty to show partners the way, Tulsa World reported.
“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,” according to the statement.
Lankford apologized for his remarks and for what he called, “failing to recognize that questioning the election results in cities such as Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta could offend Black Oklahomans.”
Nehemiah Frank, who is not a commission member but has been outspoken in urging Lankford to resign, said he was “disappointed” in the commission’s decision.
“He is a white man who essentially won’t be held accountable for attempting to snub Black votes,” Frank said.
“At its core, the Centennial Commission is about reconciliation,” said the commission’s statement. “For the purpose of achieving that goal, we must continue to harness our connective tissue - even when we are not in absolute agreement.
Lankford declined to comment.
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