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The state of Oklahoma has a unique history. That is also true of the African Americans who settled here and their descendants. For those enslaved by tribal members, the Civil War resulted in the granting of land and, to a certain extent, status within the Five Tribes. This core set of landed Blacks drew freedmen from the South and idealistic African Americans from across the US who wanted to create a space protected from the raw racism and barriers to economic opportunity that existed in the rest of the country. The ease of securing land in Indian Territory in the late 1800s proved beneficial for the small African American communities popping up throughout both Indian and Oklahoma Territories. Access to the traditional form of wealth-land-sparked vibrant economies. Black communities with money attracted more entrepreneurs, skilled laborers, and professionals. The territorial period in Oklahoma offered opportunity for African Americans unmatched anywhere else in the country.
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The funeral for Evan's brother-in-law had concluded two hours ago. And now a small group of grieving family and friends were gathered in Evan and Shaylie's home to share memories, laughter, tears, and encouragement. The front door opened again. Nothing unusual about that, people had been arriving every few minutes. But this guest was different, those nearby immediately noticed her and turned to watch her en - trance. Which then attracted the attention of everyone else. As she hesitantly stepped through the door, her slight body moved with a slow awkward gait. Her tense shoulders rounded for - warded as if to protect her from painful blows. Both hands clutched the small handbag she held in front of her as she moved only a few tentative steps forward, then dwindled to a stop. As the host, Evan came forward to greet her. He reached out his hand, introduced himself, and welcomed her into his home. He didn't recognize her, but he assumed she was a friend of someone in the family. The anguished eyes that met his were darkened with an inner turmoil as she quietly spoke to him. Something was very obviously troubling her, and he assumed the cause to be the sudden death of his brother-in-law. So he quickly turned to search through the guests to locate his wife. Hoping that kind lady would come to his rescue.
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There is a scene in Na - tional Lampoon's classic movie Vacation where Clark Griswald, played by Chevy Chase, in prepara - tion for the big family trip, visits his neighborhood auto dealership to pick up his new car. Clark com - plains, "This isn't the car I ordered. I distinctly or - dered the Antarctic Blue Super Sports Wagon with the C.B. and optional rally fun pack." Ed, the sales - man, replies, "You didn't order the metallic pea?" Clark soon returns home piloting the green Wagon Queen Family Truckster, and the rest of the story is comic history, with the sta -
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