little difference from the rest of cities this ciz
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5/20/2011
First, the racism issue: Racism in the entire US is alive & well always will be – and we are not alone, it exists around the world as part of human nature. Having lived in many cities and several countries; as well as having family on both coasts and the north- racism has been witnessed at it’s best. Drive through the deep south of Ala., Miss., La., Ga. – now there you will feel the racial tension.
Tulsa experienced one of the worst race riots in the history of the Midwest/south (Ok has been labeled with both geographic areas). Events in the past 2-3 years have brought this more into the open with the resulting public support for revitalizing the Black business area on the edge of downtown destroyed during these riots and left to decay.
Diversity/culture: it is where you find it. If you choose to hang out in venues dominated by specific socio-economic classes, ethnicity, interests….you won’t experience diversity. If you wish to experience various cultures there are plenty of venues. From ethnic festivals, to Pow Wows, to country music events; BBQ’s and bluegrass, opera, symphony, theatre and more. It does take effort; they won’t come looking for you. The last 2 decades have seen the completion of an Air&Space Museum, an Aquarium, the BOK center, the revitalization of the Blue Dome district and area around the infamous Cain’s Ballroom.
Religion: One of the largest Unitarian churches in the nation is in Tulsa (All Souls) as well as the infamous ORU. There are Christian based organizations as well as Atheist and Humanist. The Muslim community is very active in our community as well as the synagogues. If you choose to join a religious organization and keep your head in the sand you may do so, if you choose to participate in the Interfaith organization which promotes education and tolerance I’m sure they’d welcome you. My two best friends are evangelical, I’m agnostic –but our acceptance of each other’s individuality and respect is how one can experience diversity and learn from each other.
Outdoor activities: what we miss—real mountains and real beaches. Oklahoma is the only state with 12 distinct ecosystems offering a huge variety of outdoor activities (too numerous to mention here). Tulsa is working on improving bike paths with continued work on a project to create a cycling path around the city. The Tulsa Riverparks once only 3 approximate miles in length is being renovated/updated through the Vision 2025 bond issue and now extends almost 7 miles with plans to continue the paths and park areas. Lake activities abound with the majority of Oklahoma’s 200 lakes in North/northeastern Oklahoma.
Sports: Tulsa Drillers, Tulsa Ice Oilers, Tulsa Talons; University of Tulsa football/basketball; ORU basketball. Within 2.5 hours drive are both major state universities with sporting events. Oklahoma has one of the largest active special Olympics with area competitions held at both OU and OSU.
Poverty and health: Oklahoma does rank 49 in the nation. OU addressed this with their College of Community Medicine in Tulsa to compliment OSU’s Osteopathic teaching hospital. OKC is home to OU’s medical school and its allied health divisions. Poverty is higher in rural areas due to the nationwide economic downturn and the extreme level of independence where residents want nothing to do with government. Native Americans health is declining but that is a national issue and not Oklahoma specific. Obesity is a national concern; slowly becoming a concern in Europe and other nations. Tulsa and surrounding communities have a higher number of free/low cost/indigent clinics for the under and un-insured.
Education: Tulsa has one of the top vo-tech programs in the nation. Tulsa Community College receives high rankings and has a 2+2 agreement with the major universities to transfer 2 years to a 4 year program. Public Schools in surround burbs have excelled (Owasso, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Union) This has led to recent changes in which Tulsa schools will be consolidating in order to better use funding for education needs.
Young Adults: Tulsa has an organization called Tulsa Young Professionals (no degree required). These wonderful young people have been active in community development and in supporting positive visions for young persons in the area.
In summary: As a transplant to the area and having traveled extensively as well as having lived in Europe and Asia… one can find the ills of any city if one looks and focuses on them; just as one can find the best. Tulsa is located in a valley of sorts surrounded by lakes and a river which contributes to mold counts. The variation in landscape from central and eastern Oklahoma is indescribable as one leaves dunes and plains for this area known as Green Country – therefore get a netipot or stock up on sinus meds.
BJ | Tulsa, OK