Building Community Through Solidarity
Julie Davis, YWCA Tulsa CEO
I want to take a moment to address the recent City of Broken Arrow vote denying the rezoning request for the Muslim community seeking to build a mosque. The rhetoric and behavior that accompanied this decision were deeply troubling. One of our own board members, Masood Kasim, who has been a long-time leader within the mosque, shared that during the public comment period, people were shouting slurs such as “ISIS” and “terrorists”. That experience is not just offensive. It is dehumanizing, dangerous, and fundamentally opposed to the values we hold as an organization.
“At YWCA Tulsa, we say we are committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. That commitment does not only apply when it is easy or comfortable. It applies especially in moments like this — when fear, misinformation, and xenophobia are being used to justify exclusion and harm.”
I also want to be clear: our Muslim neighbors are not a threat. Many of them are our team members, our clients, families we have served and worked alongside, and community members who deserve the same safety, belonging, and opportunity as anyone else. What happened in Broken Arrow is a reminder of how much work remains for us as a region.
In that spirit, I want to invite you to join me in taking a step that is grounded in our value of community and building relationships. The mosque is hosting an upcoming event specifically designed to help neighbors meet one another, learn, ask questions, and build understanding. I encourage YWCA team members to attend if you are able. Being present matters. Listening matters. Solidarity matters. Register to attend here.
