- Cathy O’Connor
Celebrating our Black history and future
Black History Month started with Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard-educated historian who attended a 50th anniversary of the 13th Amendment and formed the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History to encourage the study of achievements by Black Americans.
Understanding our history and accomplishments, as well as our tragedies, informs how we develop our city and strengthens our resolve to work together. As we invest in ourselves, we must ensure that equity and inclusion show up across our community every day.
Through a collaboration with the Ralph Ellison Library, Homeland has curated a loaner library of books in the dining area of the Northeast store. The public is welcome to browse the Black history selections, read while they are dining, borrow and return the books, as well as donate other titles throughout February. All books eventually will be donated to the library. The Ralph Ellison Library is hosting story times at Homeland for children ages 5-10 on Feb. 19th at 10:30, 11 and 11:30 a.m.
On Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., Ralph Ellison Library is hosting The Urban Poets at 2000 NE 23rd, as part of its Black History Month celebration. https://www.metrolibrary.org/events/urban-poets-22
The Metropolitan Library System is hosting an online story time with books and songs for children to celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 22 at 11 a.m. https://www.metrolibrary.org/events/story-song-black-history-month
Rose State College is hosting Black History Month Pop Up Shops on Feb. 19 in the Student Union Ballroom. They are calling for participation from minority-owned small businesses in the OKC metro. Contact Monique Bruner at mbruner@rose.edu.
Give your input on how the area south of NE Eighth Street can be developed to bring revitalization, add value and enhance quality of life for the surrounding Northeast neighborhoods. These educational and reflection sessions are Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by livestream on Facebook and recorded sessions on the So8thokc website.
Give input on how historic Jewel Theatre will be restored and redeveloped. Online links allow for community contributions to share a memory or photo:
https://tinyurl.com/Jewelmemory or share an idea for Jewel’s future:
In Oklahoma City, we have many ways to honor the past as well as build on the future and I encourage you to participate, learn and invite others to engage.
