The University of Tulsa’s Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity is raising funds to support one of Tulsa’s pre-eminent African American organizations: the Greenwood Cultural Center.
The Greenwood Cultural Center’s mission is “to preserve African-American heritage and promote positive images of the African-American community by providing educational and cultural experiences; promoting intercultural exchange; and encouraging cultural tourism.” To do this, the center keeps the history of Tulsa’s Black Wall Street era alive through its exhibits on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It also delivers several programs for Tulsa youth.
Lambda Chi Alpha chose to support the Greenwood Cultural Center because the organization shines valuable light on Tulsa’s past. Jarrell Sims, a finance major and the Lambda Chi Alpha member heading up the initiative, explained its significance: “This project means a lot to us. Not only are we supporting a local Black organization that is doing tremendous work in the Tulsa community, but we are also making a clear statement about what we stand for as a fraternity.”
“I couldn’t be more encouraged that Lamda Chi Alpha has developed this initiative,” said Amanda Chastang, TU’s diversity officer. “Greek Life has a big voice on campus and this fraternity is using its platform to set an example of actionable ways to build community in a time when our national climate is so divided. As we approach the centennial of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, we as a TU community have a responsibility to set a standard of educating our campus not only on the Race Massacre but also on the bountiful success of Black Wall Street. It is so important to not only acknowledge this history but to support and give back to the Black-owned businesses on Greenwood today.”
In Sims’ view, “it takes a conscious effort from all people from all walks of life to rid our country of systemic racism against people of color. The Greenwood Cultural Center is just the beginning for us. We want to support more organizations that strive to make positive social change for underrepresented communities. We hope this inspires more organizations on TU’s campus to use their platforms to speak out against inequality of all forms. It is everyone’s duty to fight for a future where everyone is treated fairly and equally.”
All the money Lambda Chi Alpha raises will go directly to the Greenwood Cultural Center. If you would like to support this worthy cause, click here.
Does this sound like the kind of project you’d like to be a part of during your college experience? Find out more about Greek Life and opportunities to give back to the community around TU.