A.J. Smitherman and 54 Other Men Vindicated in an Historic Court Proceeding

Even the worst ice storm in the history of Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma could not prevent the historic proceedings to dismiss 86 year-old charges against A.J. Smitherman and 54 others, for inciting the Tulsa Race Riot, from being held on December 11th.  The court proceedings, officiated by District Court Judge Jesse S. Harris, took place at the Greenwood Cultural Center in the heart of the Greenwood district.  The Center, adjacent to the Sam and Lucey Mackey Home, a rare surviving example of the early-day residential architecture of the District, is a central meeting place for cultural events in the Black community.  It was an appropriate setting for this event, which provided yet another opportunity for the Tulsa community to acknowledge the injustice of the Race Riot and Massacre of May 31-June 1, 1921. More...

The Uncrowned Queens Instrumental in Righting an 86-year old Injustice

In 2003, when Dr. Peggy Brooks-Bertram and I were informed that our application to the Oklahoma Centennial Commission for the “Uncrowned Queens of Oklahoma 1907-2007” was accepted as an official Centennial project, we had an idea but could not fully imagine the impact that this project would have.   It has taken us across the state of Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City, to Enid, to Tulsa, to Altus, and introduced us to many gracious and welcoming Oklahomans.  And, as was our goal, it has taken us across time into Oklahoma’s rich African American history, while simultaneously providing some unanticipated bridges connecting two communities, separated by distance but united by culture and history. More...

Crowned by Queens

Uncrowned now crowned by queens
Wearing it proudly looking back at times when life was unstable
We always knew that God was able
Man wore thin but the Almighty showed us that we could win
Along came two queens
Giving us the means to look beyond ourselves
to see beauty to see talent

Bright stars with much intelligence
Realizing dreams of women who walked with dignity and poise
Allowing the world to see the gift of life in you and in me
Creating pieces in the universe
Wearing their crowns though uncrowned
Just look at the hidden genius that has arisen
Now crowned

Lovely women, beautiful souls,
solidly bound by life
Bold, blessed as they progress
showing that we are a treasure chest
History rests with us all
Thanks to you Drs. Bertram and Nevergold
Our stories can now be told
Legacies can be passed onto our young ones
Let them see all the greatness that flows from you, from me
All of the uncrowned queens are now crowned
Let us go on and be all that we can be.

Allie Freeman November 2007