Founded in 2008 by “History Recovery Specialist” Lee Roy Chapman, The Center for Public Secrets was created to shine a light on Tulsa’s hidden and neglected histories.
A longtime student of Oklahoma history, Chapman’s work focused on race relations, art, music, and radical histories. Chapman authored several articles that received global attention. In 2011, he published "The Nightmare of Dreamland: Tate Brady and the Battle for Greenwood" in This Land magazine, which revealed that a founder of Tulsa was also an architect of the city's
most violent hate crime — the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The article was lauded by historians such as Alfred Brophy and Scott Ellsworth and has been cited by media companies ranging from National Public Radio to The Guardian. Chapman was instrumental to the work happening today to rid the city of the Brady name on streets, businesses, and entire districts.
Aside from his writings, the controversial Chapman also produced documentaries and art installations that address topics ranging from Bob Wills, the New York School of Poets, the art of Larry Clark, to the Creek Freeman mass graves in South Tulsa. As a curator, Chapman also located and acquired several important historical artifacts and artworks that now reside in the Smithsonian NMHHAC, Yale, Duke, and Tulsa University Libraries, as well as private collections.
Through events, exhibits, and content, the Center will carry on the spirit of Chapman’s work and passion for Tulsa. We will delve into aspects of our collective history that others may dare not tread. We will listen to the community. We will investigate to find the truth. We will elevate the voices of those who are too seldom heard. We will reveal our secrets. Join us as we embark on this journey. One towards understanding, justice, and reconciliation. Let’s spread the good vibes together
ABOUT THE CENTER
The situation in Tulsa is of national and international relevance. Throughout Tulsa's history, there have been moments where this city serves as a crossroads to all that is America– to all that America represents, both the beautiful and the destructive. With the founding of the Center for Public Secrets, we will create a space to explore that collective history. We will be a meeting ground, where we cannot only listen and learn from what our predecessors left with us, but also from ourselves.
The Center will explore subjects of local and national importance that affect our city. Through events, exhibits, and content, the Center will delve into aspects of our collective history that others may dare not tread. We will create. We will confront it. But also, we will listen to those who have a story to tell. We don’t tell other people's stories; we will elevate the voices of those who are too seldom heard.
MISSION:
Inspire and nurture the next generation of History Recovery Specialists.
We deliver our mission by work alongside our community of co-conspirators to provide Tulsans with access to the hidden and neglected history of our city through articles, events, digital content and our educational programs.
We create space for place-based learning through educational workshops, events, exhibits and community created programming. We are a public forum for discussion, storytelling, and creativity.
VISION:
An inclusive, equitable and just Tulsa for all.
We strive to build a Tulsa where history is actively recovered and re examined, enabling us to challenge old narratives and foster a more just and inclusive city. By embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging curiosity, we aim to make Tulsa a model for social change rooted in truth and collective memory.
CfPS Founder, Lee Roy Chapman