New Art Exhibit Highlights History Of Oklahoma’s All-Black Towns

Greater than 50 all-Black cities as soon as existed in Oklahoma, however solely 13 nonetheless exist.

Now, the Oklahoma Middle For The Humanities is telling the cities’ tales by way of a brand new exhibit on the Henry Zarrow Middle For Arts And Training.

Organizers mentioned the exhibit highlights this essential legacy in Oklahoma.

The individuals who came over mentioned it fills within the gaps for a historical past lesson they didn’t study in class.

“Didn’t study all this historical past we’re studying now,” Lori Dreiling, Tulsa.

Dreiling grew up in Oklahoma and had no clue in regards to the greater than 50 all-Black cities throughout Oklahoma.

She mentioned the exhibit will assist folks perceive Oklahoma’s tales that are not at all times instructed.

“Actually completely happy to see all that Tulsa is doing to acknowledge our historical past, whether or not it’s good or unhealthy. However making everyone conscious of it,” mentioned Dreiling.

The exhibit options historic paperwork, photos, and movie.

Organizers mentioned the exhibit permits guests to discover Oklahoma’s Black cities by studying how they got here to be and what they seemed like with booming companies and alternative for Black folks.

“Within the descriptions, it has like when the artwork piece was occurring and what was occurring and just like the context. In order that they’ll get to study extra in regards to the Black cities. I believe that’s cool,” mentioned Ninemi Ortiz.

However organizers mentioned this is not simply Black historical past. 13 cities are nonetheless right here, preventing to remain alive.

“These are additionally not simply set previously. They’ve a presence, they’re there, they’ve a future that the leaders of those cities are working for,” mentioned Dr. Dayne Riley, Oklahoma Middle for the Humanities.

These cities nonetheless have main occasions just like the Black Rodeo in Boley or the Blues Fest in Rentiesville.

The communities survive by folks maintaining the legacy alive.

“So going and experiencing these locations could be one factor, but in addition being conscious of them and fascinated by them, and speaking to the folks from these locations to study extra about them,” mentioned Dr. Riley.

This occasion is free and open to the general public and can run by way of February 25.

The exhibition may even be the location of a convention entitled “All-Black Cities of Oklahoma,” hosted by the Oklahoma Middle for the Humanities, on February 18, 2023.

This occasion will function UNC professor Karla Slocum, mayors from Tullahassee and Rentiesville, Hannibal Johnson, Eli Grayson, Q Lansana, and state senator Kevin Matthews.