People of Oklahoma: Civil Rights Movement Across Oklahoma

The civil rights revolution of the 1950s and the 1960s included brave individuals who challenged a system of injustice and inequality. This documentary includes the reflections by some of the youth who participated in the bus and restaurant sit-ins across Oklahoma, in addition to the comments made by community leaders, such as Marilyn Luper Hildreth, Joyce Henderson, Dr. Gloria Griffin, Christina Beatty, Senator George E. Young, Loria Phillips, Espaniola Bowen, J. C. Watts, Jabee Williams, J. D. Baker, and others who are in charge of projects that preserve the legacy of the movement, which is considered by some as the precursor to additional movements in the surrounding states.
Oklahoma is home to diverse ethnic communities, including Native Americans, African Americans, Euro-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, Arab Americans, and more.
The Oklahoma Historical Society Multicultural Office (OHSMO) has a working objective to develop programs and outreach initiatives to tell the story of Oklahoma’s diverse heritage and give voice to these historically underrepresented communities.
OHSMO is currently developing the “People of Oklahoma” series to share that diversity. A series of video interviews are being recorded to create a historical record of the voices of community leaders from a number of backgrounds. This special project is taking place throughout the year, making a public record of Oklahoma’s historically underrepresented communities. Stories of resiliency, hope, tenacity, and innovation are being added to the expansive library of live interviews, video documentaries, and oral histories in the OHS archives.
The OHSMO is working to shape a picture of our collective history. The office also holds several in-person events that include authentic traditions celebrated by the respective communities so that these cultures can be shared, appreciated, and experienced. Contact OHS Multicultural Officer Saidy Herrera at 405-522-5204 to join the conversation. Follow OHS on social media and visit www.okhistory.org/events to learn more.

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