State Black Heritage Celebration 2008 Set for Feb. 29

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- We remember … we remember the sit-ins and the walk-outs, the boycotts and the marches, the struggles and the victories as through the decades wall after wall of separation of the races in our state and in our country came tumbling down. Through our shared memory, we know where we have been, how far we’ve come and together we can see where we want to be. On Feb. 29, hundreds will gather to remember and celebrate our state’s history during the Oklahoma Black Heritage Celebration 2008.
The ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, located at 1020 N.E. 42nd in Oklahoma City. In honor of the celebration, Gov. Brad Henry has proclaimed Feb. 29 as Black Heritage Day in Oklahoma.

Scheduled to appear are Dr. Bob Blackburn, director, Oklahoma Historical Society; Justin Jones, director, Oklahoma Department of Corrections and Howard H. Hendrick, director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).

Entertainment will be provided by singing group EQ, mime Kesha Montgomery, singers Gary Williams and Kathy Marx, a monologue by DeLaine Brewer and a set by the Star Spencer High School Drum Line.

This year’s Community Service Award will be presented to Rev. George E. Young, Sr., member of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services and pastor of the Holy Temple Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. The Trailblazer Award will be given to Trooper Lateka Alexander of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. And the Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to former U.S. Attorney John Green.

Admission is free and open to the public. The Oklahoma Historical Society, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services sponsor this annual celebration. 

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