Black History Month in OKC offers rich opportunities to honor the contributions of African Americans to history and culture – and that education can be extended all year long. From the iconic MLK OKC Parade to educational exhibits honoring Clara Luper and other trailblazers, the city offers countless ways for families to learn, connect and celebrate Black culture. Dive into local art, attend vibrant community events and visit historic landmarks that highlight the enduring impact of Oklahoma’s Black history.
Celebrate Oklahoma’s Black History
Most adults and school-aged children can easily name Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman as key figures in Black history. Some Oklahomans may also know Ralph Ellison, Clara Luper and Thurgood Marshall. But what about Anita Arnold, Tony Thunder and Willie Lusk?
While February marks Black History Month, honoring African Americans’ contributions to history and culture should extend throughout the year.
This year, challenge your family to make Black History Month last all year long. Oklahoma City is full of opportunities for your family to learn about Black history and culture in fun and meaningful ways. Start planning with these suggestions!
Arts & Culture
The Oklahoma State Capitol Building & Museum is open year-round and features over 100 pieces of art. Spend time exploring how African Americans have contributed to city, state and national history. Art throughout the building highlights historical figures, including teacher and civil rights activist Clara Luper. Find a bust of Clara Luper on the first floor, and explore the work of OKC-based artist LaQuincey Reed, who created the piece, to learn more about. Luper’s legacy.
Did you know OKC is nationally known as a hub for street art? Many neighborhoods include murals that depict Black culture. Start on this issue’s front cover, which showcases OKC-native Tony Thunder’s Summer of Futures Past. Located in Northeast OKC on 23rd Street and N. Rhode Island Avenue, this vibrant mural depicts the joy of Black culture.
According to Thunder, rather than focusing on the history of the Black experience, this mural “represents the good times and celebrations we have now.”
Our family has several favorite OKC murals. Among them is a three-panel mural on the Northeast OKC Homeland building, located at 625 NE 36th Street. Painted by Carlos Barboza, the murals are a tribute to Black heritage, connecting the past with the present.
At the Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC) at 4500 N. Lincoln Blvd, explore Black art and music throughout the year. Executive Director Anita Arnold, a 2024 Oklahoma Hall of Fame inductee, founded the center to connect OKC to Black and African art and culture. BLAC houses an art gallery and gift shop filled with items that represent Black/African heritage. The Center also sponsors events throughout the year, including the Charlie Christian International Music Festival.
6 Educational Experiences
The Ralph Ellison branch of the Metropolitan Library System offers valuable learning resources. Named in honor of the Oklahoma native and acclaimed writer, this library is home to the MLS’s Black History Collection, which includes books and other media that honor and celebrate Black heritage. Installed in 1975, the collection undergoes continual development. According to Assistant Library Manager Brittany Mays, the library also provides Black History Month Family Kits, which can be checked out for at-home learning.- The Oklahoma History Center’s Kerr-McGee Gallery houses the Realizing the Dream exhibit. This exhibit takes Black history beyond the textbook. Your family can be immersed in the lived experiences of Black Oklahomans through life-sized replicas of historical spaces. You can also learn more at home using the OHC’s African American Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma activities pages.
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SEE HOW MANY CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS YOUR FAMILY RECOGNIZES AT THE FREEDOM CENTER OF OKLAHOMA CITY. Visit the historic Freedom Center of Oklahoma City, which was the site of NAACP Youth Council and served as a hub for civil rights activity for many years. Clara Luper served as the Youth Council’s sponsor. Currently, visitors can view the names and images of activists. See how many names you know and learn more about those that you don’t. The site will undergo a $25 million restoration to include the future Clara Luper Civil Rights Center. The 5-acre campus will include exhibition and programming areas, a café, a welcome center and outdoor event spaces.
- At the Federal Judicial Learning Center and Museum in downtown OKC, your family can learn about pivotal Federal court cases, such as OKC Board of Education vs. Dowell, which was tried by the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall.
- View artifacts and memorabilia of Black athletes who have been inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame located in Bricktown.
- At the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, learn about the role Black soldiers (known as Buffalo Soldiers) played in the U.S. Army. During Black History Month, the museum’s Code of the West: Willie Lusk activity table is a great learning resource.
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Celebrations & Festivals
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated on Jan. 20 this year. Spend the day attending one of the many events held in OKC to honor the Civil Rights leader. Celebrate the African American experience with the sights and sounds of the annual MLK parade in downtown OKC.
Mark your calendar for the annual Juneteenth on the East in OKC’s East End district. This family-friendly festival is a celebration of freedom and includes live music, dance performances, art, food and vendors.
More resources to explore Black history & culture in OKC
Explore even more places to visit, dine and celebrate Black history all year long with Visit OKC’s Insider’s Guide and these other local resources:
- Black-owned restaurants in OKC
- Black-owned businesses and services in OKC
- Black-owned shops in OKC
