Tulsa Seminary Hosts Conversation, Art Exhibit Surrounding The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

A Tulsa seminary is hosting an event this week that combines the power of art with an urgent call for social justice.

Over 25 pieces of art are featured at a temporary exhibit at Phillips Theological Seminary at 901 N. Mingo Rd. It includes work from African American artist Harvey Johnson as well as Delita Martin, John Biggers and Kermit Oliver.

The art exhibit surrounds the second annual Tulsa Race Massacre Lectureship happening Monday night from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Terry Ewing, Vice President of Advancement at Phillips Theological Seminary said Johnson is an artist from Houston, Texas. He said he attended the inaugural lectureship last year and visited Greenwood Rising while in Tulsa where he was inspired to create his piece "Eulogy" about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

"He refers to his work as visual poetry. He thinks of himself as a visual poet, so you can see in a poetic sense the way that is moving from the smoke, the fire of the massacre, through a deeper spirit that will prevail," said Ewing describing Johnson's artwork.

Right Reverend Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath with the African American Episcopal Church will speak on "The Destruction of Black Wall Street and the Burden of Invisibility" as the topic for Monday night's lecture.

Ewing said the goal of the event is not only to reflect on the past but move toward healing and reconciliation. "This is sort of the changes that occur in people deep inside," he said. "That is the power of art, that it touches places we are not ever always aware of. It will grow in us. I do not think you can spend much time looking at these pieces and not have it affect you."

Both the lectureship and art exhibit are free and open to the public. Phillips Theological Seminary said it is their gift to the community.

"We know where we are," Ewing continued saying, "We are in Tulsa, Oklahoma where this occurred. We think it is important that the theological foundation of justice, that racial justice and equity, be something that is continued, that the people in Tulsa are aware of, and that is what we are about."

For more information about the lectureship Click Here.

 The art exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday, April 30. The public also has the opportunity to meet and hear from artists Harvey Johnson and Delita Martin on Tuesday, April 25 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.