Forensic team reveals new insights into Tulsa Race Massacre

In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Tulsa Planning Office, established on January 1, 2019, to enhance urban planning services for city residents. The office is dedicated to two primary areas: current planning, which encompasses zoning, board adjustments, subdivision issues, and historic preservation, and plan development and implementation, focusing on both short-term and long-term strategic planning.

The Tulsa Planning Office also plays a crucial role in managing zoning and subdivision proposals that are presented to the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Board of Adjustment. Additionally, it supports various commissions, including the Tulsa Preservation Commission, which is responsible for overseeing historic preservation zones, as well as the Arts Commission and the Route 66 Commission.

In a significant segment of the meeting, Phoebe Stubblefield, the lead forensic anthropologist for the CA Pound Human Identification Lab at the University of Florida, provided insights into the ongoing investigation of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Stubblefield detailed the meticulous process involved in handling remains that have been exhumed. She explained that the remains are first examined in a radiography room, where they undergo imaging to identify features that may indicate the cause of death, such as bullets or other metallic fragments.

These discussions underscore the city's commitment to both urban development and historical accountability, reflecting a dual focus on enhancing community infrastructure while addressing the legacy of past injustices.