Tulsa, Oklahoma – Big news for Tulsa! The city, along with several community groups, just got a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. The goal? To tackle violent crimes in a smarter, more proactive way.
Mayor Monroe Nichols shared the announcement on December 19, emphasizing the importance of working hand-in-hand with the community. “The only pathway to true community safety is actually working with the community itself,” he said.
The grant will support the Tulsa Community-Based Violence Intervention Initiative, or TCVI for short. This program is all about addressing the root causes of violence before things spiral out of control. It’s not just about reacting to crimes—it’s about preventing them.
Local leaders made sure to listen to what residents had to say when creating the plan. Berthaddaeus Bailey, managing director of My Brother’s Keeper at Impact Tulsa, explained how young men and boys of color had a vital role in shaping the initiative. “Their voices are heard in the development of this strategy, and so they’ve played a critical role,” Bailey said.
Using data to make a difference, My Brother’s Keeper and Impact Tulsa identified the neighborhoods where violence is most common. With this knowledge, the program will target those areas for education and intervention.
The urgency for action is clear. According to Tulsa Police Department’s Homicide Tracker, the city recorded 50 murders this year, two more than in 2023. TCVI’s mission is to bring that number down by stepping in early and offering support before violence occurs.
Former State Senator Kevin Matthews, who lost a cousin to violence, passionately supports the initiative. He believes education is key to changing lives. “If they’re not reading by the third grade, they’re building a prison cell for them,” he said. Matthews is optimistic about Tulsa’s future, adding, “Tulsa has the ingredients to be the best city in America. If we all work together, we can reach that potential.”
With real-time data guiding their efforts, the city and its partners are determined to focus on the places that need help the most. It’s a hopeful step for Tulsa, showing what can happen when a community unites to make a difference.
