Why We Do What We Do
Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend time exploring the Greenwood Cultural
Center in central Tulsa. I’ve been wanting to get by there for a long time, but just
made some time yesterday. The recent Juneteenth celebration was in the back of my
mind, along with all the news about immigrant children being separated from their
families at the border, so it just seemed a good time.
Businesses rebuilt after the Greenwood neighborhood bombing also known as the Tulsa Race Riots in Tulsa, Oklahoma June 1, 1921.
As I explored the documents, photos and statements from the evolution of the
thriving Black Wall Street to the Race Riot, to the “camps” people were forced to live
in after the fires subsided, to the cover-up to the re-naming to a Massacre, I was
touched by this thought. Who speaks up for the oppressed? When laws don’t work
and people misbehave who steps in to make sure the oppressed are protected, cared
for and supported during the recovery. As we know, in this very difficult period of
history in Tulsa, that answer is mind-boggling. It seems that aside from the work of
the Red Cross and a few (very few) private citizens, NO ONE stood up for the
victims. It seems no one listened to their cries, concerns or cared for their needs.
People were murdered, burned out of their homes, businesses looted and destroyed
and no one came to their aid. Residents were put in camps. Home and business
owners had their insurance claims denied. Their losses and voices were ignored.
The Vernon A.M.E Church. rebuilt after the Bombing of the Greenwood neighborhood also known as the Tulsa Race Riots in Tulsa, Oklahoma June 1, 1921
Heartbreaking history – why didn’t people help?
Before starting Spectrum BHG Tulsa, I was part of other agencies who provided
services for individuals with disabilities. Some of these agencies were ok. Some were
not. I became frustrated in that it seemed most agencies and professionals didn’t
really want to help this population of Oklahomans. And if they did, they were often
more interested in finding ways to make financial gains than actually listening to
and helping with the needs of individuals who were needing assistance.
At Spectrum BHG Tulsa, we want to speak up for the oppressed, forgotten
Oklahomans who can’t always fend for themselves. We want to be there when no
one else will. We bring a team approach that is founded on strong ethics, solid
research, sound principles – but also on truly listening to and identifying the needs
of those we seek to help.
In our case, there are no fires or riots or massacres, thankfully. But there are forced
group living situations, draconian state budget cuts, challenging behaviors that
result in injury, abuse, family disruption and a public who often looks the other way.
At Spectrum BHG Tulsa, we are not afraid to wade into those difficult waters and
reach out to the individuals with challenging behaviors and the caregivers who
provide support for them. Challenging behaviors are often just another form of
communication. We seek to listen. It’s what we do.