In July of 2019, my family of five traveled east of the OKC metro to explore three small Oklahoma towns of historic significance. Our journey took us to the towns of Boley, Clearview and IXL. These towns are three of the 13 all-Black towns in Oklahoma. Here’s a little bit of a history lesson before sharing about our family’s day trip to one of those towns.
Oklahoma’s historic all-Black towns
Following the Civil War, more than fifty towns and communities were established by African Americans in Oklahoma’s Indian Territory. This was more all-Black towns than any other state at the time. Those who settled these towns were former slaves known as “Freedmen.” They established towns that were predominantly centered around agriculture. Many of the towns thrived, establishing their own schools, banks and other community assets.
When Oklahoma became a state in 1907, statutes and laws were passed that created a hostile environment for African Americans. Then the Great Depression made life even more challenging. Many of the residents of the all-Black towns left to head west to escape the racial segregation in the state. Today, just 13 of these all-Black towns remain as active communities.
Renewed interest in all-Black towns
In 2023, OK state senator Kevin Matthews proposed a bill to create an Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail. The bill passed and was approved for $1.5 million in grant funding. The Trail will begin in Ponca City and end in Oklahoma City. The Trail will connect several locations significant to Native and African American history, including the 13 all-Black towns. The funding will create opportunities for the towns to increase tourism and shine a spotlight on them through a variety of methods, including enhancements to visitor centers and signage.
A glimpse into Clearview, OK
Fast forward to January 20, 2025, when my family once again piled into the car, minus one now college-aged kiddo, and headed east once again. However, this trip was different. In 2020 we were tourists, walking around and taking in the mix of occupied homes and abandoned buildings which we could imagine were community hubs in the past. This time around, on that cold afternoon, we would be participants in the all-Black town of Clearview’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. Clearview is located just a little over one hour east of the OKC metro.
The event took place at the Main Street Community Center which houses a true gem: the Oklahoma African American Educators Hall of Fame (OAAEHOF). We joined an audience of about 75 people of various ages and races. Following the flag presentation, we were welcomed by Dr. Donnie L. Nero, a Clearview trustee. His wife, Mrs. Shirley Nero, Clearview’s historian, also gave remarks. The two are educators who saw a need to celebrate the accomplishments of Oklahoma African American educators and founded the OAAEHOF. The respected educators and leaders have made a significant difference in their community and Oklahoma as a whole.
We listened as Mr. Lee Vick, Superintendent of Okemah Public Schools, delivered an inspiring keynote speech. Mr. Vick spoke of the “reciprocal responsibility” we have as a society to be a positive influence for the next generation. The celebration also included a formal presentation of a sign declaring Clearview as a “Purple Heart Historic Black Town.” The sign was presented by Mr. Don Nichols of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
The ceremony was followed by a reception. We spent some time looking around the Hall of Fame. Besides the framed photos of the educators who have been inducted, there were also banners highlighting the challenges faced by and achievements of African American educators in Oklahoma. The banners told of struggles against segregation in education and the lengths to which ordinary individuals went on to do extraordinary things to make changes. If you can’t make it to the OAAEHOF, the banners are part of a traveling exhibit.
One of the most meaningful parts of our day was talking with Clearview’s mayor, Marilyn Jackson. It was not lost on me the significance of our two teenage daughters holding a conversation with a Black female mayor. We asked her why she chose to become a mayor. The essence of her response made us all laugh: “I was pretty much told that I would be mayor ….” Hearing that made me appreciate how low-pressure the tasks I’ve been “volun-told” to do have been compared to Mayor Jackson.
We also had a chance to meet and talk with Mayor Leon Anderson, mayor of Grayson, who attended the Clearview MLK celebration. When I asked him how families can learn more about Grayson and the other remaining all-Black towns in Oklahoma he gave the following directive: “Come see us. You can’t tell my story better than I can tell it.”
So, you heard the man: get out there and learn together as a family. Plan a day trip to let the community members who call one of the 13 all-Black towns home tell you their story.
Want to learn more? Below are events and resources for your family to explore.
Events in Oklahoma historic All-black towns
- Boley: The annual Boley Rodeo began in 1903 and is the nation’s oldest Black rodeo. This year’s rodeo will be held on May 24, 2025.
- Rentiesville: The Dusk ’til Dawn Blues Festival draws crowds from around the world. This event is held annually during Labor Day weekend.
Tours
- Black Towns of Oklahoma Bike Tour: Visit five towns on your bike on September 24, 2025.
- All-Black Towns Bus Tour: This annual bus tour begins at Rudisill Regional Library in Tulsa. It has sold out in the past. Check regularly for updates.
Resources
- Black Frontier Towns: This is a documentary series that highlights the history and legacy of Oklahoma’s 13 all-Black towns. This series won a regional Emmy award in 2024.
