Library: News Releases
OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Their names are legendary, Ralph Ellison, A.C. Hamlin, Bill Picket, Hannah Atkins, Clara Luper. The barriers they broke down, the records they set, the stories they told and the lives they lived are but another chapter in a legacy that began with the nameless and faceless legends that came to Oklahoma before them with nothing more than hope and determination.
On Feb. 17, hundreds will gather to honor legends of the past and today’s legends that are continuing the legacy that is not just Black History, but also the history of the Great State of Oklahoma during the Oklahoma Black Heritage Celebration 2006.
The celebration will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Omniplex, located at 2100 N.E. 52nd St. in Oklahoma City. In honor of the celebration, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed Feb. 17 as Black Heritage Day in Oklahoma and is scheduled to speak at this year’s celebration.
Also scheduled to appear are students from the Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School, singer Willard Linzy, saxophonist Larry Banks and keynote speaker Rev. C.E. McCurdy Jr. The Master of Ceremony this year will be past award recipient and KWTV News Director Blaise Labbe.
The Community Service Award will be presented to retired State Sen. Angela Monson. The Trailblazer Award will be given to Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Tom Colbert. And the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Dr. Melvin R. Todd, former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Admission is free and open to the public; however, donations will be accepted to help continue this annual event. The Oklahoma Historical Society, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Omniplex sponsor this annual celebration.
###
