Take a simple poll of its people and you'll quickly find that Tulsans L-O-V-E Tulsa. Perhaps it's because the city has such a significant historical context - it was dubbed "Magic City" and then the "Oil Capital of the World" as Tulsans welcomed America to the city of art deco brilliance and all around promise.  Maybe it's because Tulsa is home to the greatest and most valuable collection of Native and Western art in the world. Could it be because the City was founded at the Council Oak by the Muscogee Creek Indians, on the idea that the tree would protect us from harm? Of course, importantly, the city also boasts a rich history for Black Wall Street - once the single most prosperous black community in the nation.

Regardless, Mayor, under your leadership Tulsa has made great strides in being a "world-class city" - we've welcomed the #1 US attraction, the Gathering Place. We showcase how local government, philanthropy, and impassioned constituents can really impact change and drive growth. We will soon embrace a tech hub, an electric car giant (will it into way!), and a nuanced Black history centennial. Importantly, we are a national model on how thoughtful planning and partnership with healthcare leaders can - and has - slowed the effects of a deadly pandemic. 

As fellow parents, neighbors, friends, biggest fans, Tulsans ... we are excited and optimistic for the continued implementation of a more beautiful Tulsa for our children, their children, and generations to come. 

This coming weekend, we have another incredible opportunity to showcase that we are a world-class city. We’re hosting the sitting President of the United States, at his very first (and maybe second!) campaign rally in months. We will celebrate the end of slavery with one of the biggest Juneteenth celebrations in the country. We’ll do all this over the weekend of Summer Solstice - literally the brightest day of the year. We are hopeful for the opportunities that lie ahead. 

Mayor, you’ve led us gracefully and courageously through a 500-year flood, preparation for the centennial remembrance of the 1921 massacre, and the difficult earliest days of a global pandemic. We ask that you again do what’s best for our beloved city:

1. Safeguard the health and safety of our City and its inhabitants;
2. Slow the spread of COVID-19 to protect the ability of public and private health care providers and facilities to handle and care for the influx of new patients, which as we know, disproportionately affects our fellow Tulsans of color; and
3. Utilize the power vested in you as Mayor of the City of Tulsa, pursuant to Title 8, Tulsa Revised Ordinances, Section 200 and the Oklahoma Emergency Management Act, 63 O.S. § 683.3, to require participants in all gatherings over 50 people - whether indoor or outdoor, and for whatever purpose - to wear masks at all times, practice social distancing of at least six feet, and otherwise use best sense to ensure safety for all Tulsans.

We have already begun efforts to make free masks available for all people gathered, and will gladly provide support to ensure they’re distributed with customary Tulsa kindness.

Mayor, this weekend, we can again prove that Tulsa is unequivocally the best city in America by showing that we can respectfully accept our differences and celebrate a future that listens to the voices of all of its people. Please use your power as a voice for all of us to make this statement to your current and future constituents, our fellow Americans, and the world.

With love,

Tulsa