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In the United States, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is observed annually on the third Monday in January. The day commemorates the life and work of Dr. King, who was a Baptist minister and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. People are encouraged to use the day to "reflect on the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change espoused by Dr. King.” The holiday is typically observed with events such as marches and rallies and speeches by politicians and civil rights leaders.
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I read this again the other day. "I will NEVER quit fighting to win against the enemy in my life. After all my bullets are gone from shooting my gun, then I’ll throw that blasted thing at ‘em. When that doesn’t work, then I’ll use my body to punch, kick and bite my way to freedom. And if I still haven’t won when all my teeth are knocked out in the fight, then I'll try to gum him to death. BUT I WILL NEVER GIVE UP THE FIGHT!”
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Jim Priest is CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma and can be reached at jpriest@okgoodwill.org.
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The Oklahoma City Blue Devils began circa 1923–24 in Kansas City as Billy King’s Road Show, a traveling vaudeville troupe. While trombonist Ermir “Bucket” Coleman had nominal control of the band, Walter Page masterminded the musical arrangements. Page’s credentials included study in 1920s Kansas City with Major N. Clark Smith and Charles Watts, who were numbered among that town’s best instructors. When the Billy King Road Show disbanded in1925 in Oklahoma City, Page renamed the group; some say it became “Walter Page’s Original Blue Devils,” but others contend it was the “Oklahoma City Blue Devils.” Once the Blue Devils were reorganized in Oklahoma City, Page persuaded a group of Oklahoma City businessmen to back the venture. The backing consisted of a little cash, a set of uniforms, a supply of meal tickets good at a restaurant owned by one of the sponsors, and the donation of a large hotel room (at the Littlepage Hotel in the “Deep Deuce” district, or Northeast Second Street).
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Project 2020 and the Town of Boley announce SELF MADE: Boley, Oklahoma Boley, Okla. -- In a collaborative effort with GRANDchild Productions and C.J. Kirkland, a freelance writer with a focus on conveying stories that exemplify the human spirit, Project 2020, and the Town of Boley are pleased to announce an evening celebrating Black Excellence. The celebration will take place on February 4, 2023 @ 6 pm at the Boley Community Center featuring LIVE performances from local artist, “Colored Memories”, and the book launch of SELF MADE: Boley, Oklahoma SELF MADE is a creative non-fiction work written by author C.J. Kirkland: a collection of personal narratives accompanied by stunning images culminating in an understanding of the soul and spirit of Boley residents: those who built this town and those who remain a part of its tapestry and truth. “Colored Memories” is comprised of twenty-five digitally colorized photographs from Boley, the “crown jewel” of All-Black Towns. The exhibit is made possible by The Coltrane Group, an Oklahoma-based organization focused on the revitalization of the All-Black Towns of Oklahoma. Attendees will gain a broader understanding of Black History in Oklahoma and the significant role Boley played in our state and in America. Project 2020’s main purpose, in partnership with the Town of Boley, is to assist and aid in the growth and revitalization of our historic downtown district and its businesses. Through façade grants, donations, and hosting events, we strive to preserve and restore our historic architecture, land, and rodeo while maintaining its unique charm and beauty. This is a free ticketed event open to the public. For detailed information about this event, please contact Karen Ekuban at karenekuban@yahoo. com or 303-476-3779. For tickets visit Eventbrite.
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Okay, let’s just accept it. Christmastime is a confusing mixture of Bible stories, family traditions, myths, and fun Santa Claus tales. Especially for kids like little Luke.
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