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Both major U.S. political parties have extremists. They are extreme in their ideology and their temperament. In both cases, these true-believing extremists are a very small minority. The rest of the members have to decide to what extent they will compromise with them. 🧵
In my view, it’s a well-established reality of human group dynamics that you simply can’t compromise with extremists in any meaningful way. By nature, extremism is never satisfied.
Moreover, giving a small minority outsize power is a disservice to the majority, and this is especially meaningful when you’re talking about public service in a democracy, where majority will must prevail (with important protections for the minority, of course).
Oklahoma City had been through a lot that Thanksgiving.
In October, the Spanish Flu had hit the city hard. Ultimately, over 7,000 Oklahomans would die, and the city was not spared.
In October, the Spanish Flu had hit the city hard. Ultimately, over 7,000 Oklahomans would die, and the city was not spared.
Meanwhile, many of the city’s young men had spent the year overseas, fighting for their country. Just two weeks earlier, the Great War had been won, and the resulting euphoria had briefly washed away the pain of October’s pandemic.
On that Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, 1918, the city’s residents found time for gratitude and celebration.
I wish I had pretty pictures but sometimes a document will just have to do. Contained in this dry memorandum are countless opportunities for wellness, fun and recreation for our city’s residents in Canadian County. (1/4)
In 2017, the voters approved funding for a new neighborhood park in the far western portion of Oklahoma City. Admittedly, City-owned neighborhood parks are not as prevalent in the outer ring of the city as they are in the core, but we’re working on it. (2/4)
This document represents approval of the acquisition of property for this new park, to be known as Swisher Park. (3/4)
Re: Human Rights Commission and next steps on previously announced law enforcement reforms (thread)
Most large cities have a Human Rights Commission, including Tulsa. Oklahoma City had one until 1996.
Most large cities have a Human Rights Commission, including Tulsa. Oklahoma City had one until 1996.
On January 23, 1996, the Oklahoma City Council voted to abolish our city’s Human Rights Commission. The action passed with the barest majority, just five votes. Then-Mayor Norick was on record as opposed to the abolishment.
I have been communicating this week with a diverse group of our residents who would like to see this issue revisited. I agree that it is time to have that conversation.
#blackhistorymonth Calvary Baptist Church located at 300 N. Walnut was the physical and spiritual base for a multi-year sit-in campaign that changed the face of segregation in Oklahoma City. Constructed in 1921 by black architect and church member Russell Benton Bingham,
Calvary Baptist Church is an imposing three-story brick building with twin towers capped by brick parapets. In the early 20th century it served as the religious and social center of Oklahoma City's black community. In 1953, 24 year old Martin Luther King Jr.
preached a sermon for consideration of becoming the pastor at the church. He was turned down because he was told he was too young. He returned in 1963 to speak before a crowd of 1,500 at Cavalry for the "Freedom Rally." Sit-ins--or what were then called "sitdowns"--
#blackhistorymonth “Losing that first race (1989) for City Council years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened. It motivated me to work harder to become a force for change."
Willa Johnson was the first AA Woman elected to Oklahoma City Council in 1993
Willa Johnson was the first AA Woman elected to Oklahoma City Council in 1993
and the sixth woman since the city incorporated in 1890. Willa Johnson really wanted to be a jazz singer when she was growing up. City and county politics was the last thing on her mind, politics didn’t come into the picture until she retired. Then a whole new career took off.
As a councilmember Ms. Johnson was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Eastern Golf Course, now known as the James E. Stewart Golf Course, in providing for expanded public transportation in far Northeast OKC, the rehabilitation of most northeast community centers,
