Bill Battle. State Senator Judy Eason-McIntyre (D-Tulsa) recently signed conference committee reports for HB 1652 and HB 1465, causing outrage from prominent members of the Tulsa community.
Kara Gae Neal, superintendent of Tulsa Technology Center, responded to Eason-McIntyre's decision to support HB 1652, which allows concealed-carry permit holders to lock their guns in their vehicles on Tulsa Tech campuses, via a lengthy email.
"I cannot believe that YOU, who represents the District with the greatest number of CHILDREN shot in this state every year, did this to them and to us. Our Tulsa Tech facility in your district not only has high school students but a CHILD CARE center on that site," Neal wrote.
"I have never hidden behind any excuse for what I decide to do. I do strongly believe that if Republicans believe in guns then openly vote for their gun related bills," Eason-McIntyre responded.
"You mentioned the problem with guns in OUR community, not just my district but I have yet to hear of any effort you have provided to solve Tulsa's gun problem, particularly in my district."
Eason-McIntyre also took fire from lobbyist Margaret Erling, wife of former KRMG morning show host John Erling Frette, for supporting HB 1465. This bill would change the school enrollment cutoff dates from Sept. 1 to July 1, requiring children to be five years old on July 1 to enroll in kindergarten.
Art Abounds. Urban Tulsa Weekly's continued efforts to increase art in public spaces and promote local artists through the "Stand apART" newsstand project is in full swing. Students in the Youth Services of Tulsa program and the corresponding Street Outreach program created the latest two designs.
  Stand apART. |
George Romero, arts and activities coordinator of Youth Services, presented a multimedia skyline design. Street outreach specialist, DeJon Knapp's students created a collage style newsstand reflecting different aspects of Oklahoma.
Artists and groups interested in joining the project should contact urban@urbantulsa.com for more information.
Light a Candle. A vigil is planned for Tuesday, May 31, in observance of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. Tulsans from all parts of the city are encouraged to participate in the "Vigil of Remembrance -- Tulsa Race Riot: 90 Years Later."
The event is being held on the 90th anniversary of what is considered by many to be the single worst incident of racial violence in America. The vigil will take place in the Greenwood area, the site of the most tragic chapter in our city's history.
Participants will meet at 7:30pm at the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, 415 N. Detroit Ave., and break into two groups. Each group will walk a nine-block route, each block symbolizing a decade since the riot. The groups will meet back at the park at 8:05pm, encircling the 25-foot Tower of Reconciliation at the center of the park with lit candles for a brief service of remembrance, ending at 8:30pm. The event is free.
The vigil is being sponsored by the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ), in cooperation with All Souls Unitarian Church, Islamic Society of Tulsa, Jewish Federation of Tulsa, John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance and Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry.
Set Sail. This marks the 26th year of the Bartlett Regatta & Launch Party, benefitting The Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges.
Festivities begin with the launch party on Wednesday, June 1 at The Center, 815 S. Utica Ave. There will be an exclusive Patrons' Reception prior to the launch party. Patrons of the launch party can participate in silent and live auctions. Participants in the live auction can purchase their boats for the June 4 race on Grand Lake. The winning bidders will be able to participate as crew -- allowing them to experience the starting line action and competitive racing or Regatta.
On Saturday, June 4th, a fleet of 15-20 boats will raise their sails in the Regatta that has become a Grand Lake classic. Arrowhead Yacht Club will again host the Skipper's Breakfast and the awards ceremony for Skippers and guests. Organized in 1986 as The Center's first major fundraiser, the Bartlett Regatta was named in memory of Floyd "Pete" Bartlett, a former Board President and avid supporter of The Center.
Visit tulsacenter.org for more information.
Stage Culture. The Cherokee Heritage Center is presenting the new "Legends at Dusk" show 8pm each Saturday from June 4-Aug. 20 at at the Cherokee Heritage Center located at 21192 S. Keeler Drive, Park Hill.
"Legends at Dusk," an evening in the Ancient Village, is an interactive dramatization sharing traditional Cherokee culture through myths and legends in an outdoor theater setting that brings Cherokee history from the 1700s to life.
Guests will tour the famous Cherokee Ancient Village with interpretive actors dressed in 1700s-period clothing. Throughout the event, audiences will be told a variety of legends including Flint Visits Rabbit and Mud Dauber Makes a Pot. The stories are derived from ancient legends that were recorded in the late 19th century in the original homelands of the Cherokee people.
After hearing the ancient Cherokee legends, guests will gather around the Council Grounds where they will witness all the stories, lessons and props coming together to experience the legend of the First Fire.
Visit cherokeeheritage.org for more information.
Scandalous Scenes. Whether the issue is nudity, sexual orientation, politics, religion or planetary orbits, Tulsa Artists' Coalition wants art that expands boundaries, asks hard questions and challenges the status quo.
The juried show, Tulsa Taboo, is looking for participating artists to submit their artwork by June 25 from 12-6pm at the Tulsa Artists' Coalition gallery located at 9 E. Brady. The jury will make selections on Sunday, June 26 and those not included in the show will be notified to pick up on June 27.
The prizes include a $100 for Best of Show and People's Choice Award as well as three Juror's Choice Awards worth $75 each. Call RC Morrison at 918-693-8569 for more information.