OKLAHOMA CITY – An African American heritage program on Feb. 12 will celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans and their influence on the state.
The event is sponsored by state Rep. Anastasia A. Pittman, the NAACP Oklahoma City Youth Council, Top Teens of America and emerging young leaders of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Beyond the Dream.”
“Our goal is to foster an environment to where students and residents can come and participate in the celebration of the contributions of African Americans during Black History Month,” said Pittman, D-Oklahoma City. “Since I was first elected to office, I have worked with local leaders to expand what was originally a simple photo shoot to document African American community leaders to an event that includes performances, vendors and numerous civic leaders. It is one of my favorite annual events.”
Pittman said the annual photo shoot was a tradition set into motion by a now deceased African American community leader and newspaper publisher, Lecia Swain-Ross, more than 20 years ago.
The program takes place from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Feb. 12, and will include a ceremonial unveiling of a Rosa Parks commemorative stamp and a performance of Swingin’ and Singin’ on the Deuce by DWe Williams and Rhythmically Speaking. This year, Rhythmically Speaking includes international duo Adam and Kizzie Ledbetter, who have returned home to share their unique style of blended blues, jazz and contemporary music. The performance features the music of Jimmy Rushing.
A tribute to the National Association for Black Veterans will be part of the program. Dr. Monique Bruner will facilitate Oklahoma African American authors as they present their literature. Local schools will also provide entertainment for the event. The Langston University Chorale and the Oklahoma Ambassadors Concert Choir have also been invited to perform.
The event will also feature local African American businesses and service providers such as Oklahoma Metropolitan Better Living Center, Guiding Right Inc. and COPE Inc.
Bruce Fisher from the Oklahoma Historical Society will shed insight on last year’s failure of House Bill 1977, the Oklahoma Freedom Trail Act.
The program is free and open to the public. Attendees will be photographed as a group with government officials. Display tables will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. To reserve a table, call (405) 557-7393.
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