Black Heritage Celebrated, Rich Legacy Still Emerging

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- Dignitaries, community leaders and students are planning to attend a celebration of Black heritage during “We Are Not Done Yet,” the 25th annual event honoring the rich and enduring legacy of Oklahoma’s African American history. The celebration will take place on Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 1020 N.E. 42nd St., Oklahoma City.
The master of ceremonies is Blaise Labbe, KWTV's statewide director of online content and the station's long time news director. Entertainment will include gospel singing, the Marcus Garvey Leadership Charter School’s African Drummers, a poetry reading from Brian Creal of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services and the Star Spencer High School Drum Line. 

“We have come so far, but there is more that we can do,” said Vicki Pettiford, OKDHS Office of Civil Rights, one of the event organizers.

The celebration is the largest of its kind in Oklahoma, she added.

Community members will be honored with awards. The Rev. Willie B. Parker will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award; Deborah Goodman of OKDHS SWIFT Adoptions will receive the State Service Award; the Community Service Award will be presented to the Rev. Dr. John A. Reed, Jr.; and Theodore Logan will receive the Trailblazer Award. Five essay winners from Oklahoma City Public Schools will receive recognition as well.

The event is free and open to the public. A complimentary lunch will be served and many vendors will have a variety of items for display and sale. For more information, contact Pettiford at (405) 522-1611 or Anetta Cooper at (405) 521-3621.

The celebration is sponsored by OKDHS, the Department of Corrections, the Historical Society and the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation.

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