Episode 23

Focus: Black Oklahoma

On this episode, we start off with Dr. Nick Alexandrov examining one Tulsa Fortune 500 company that uses its money to support campaigns of politicians who proclaim, without evidence, that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump. As many find themselves learning to navigate in a “post-truth” era, there’s at least one statement you can always trust: money talks.

For 2022 midterm elections, state-wide attention was focused on what the electoral outcomes would mean for issues like Indigenous sovereignty and education. Jamie Glisson reviews this year’s results for state and national offices.

A new exhibit at the Cherokee History Museum in Tahlequah explores the history of the Freedmen, the people formerly enslaved by the Indigenous nation. FBO's Allison Herrera visited the museum with some of their descendants.

Because of Black history and a personal commitment to preserving landmarks that are tied to Black people, Leeman Lewis bought and is restoring the Okmulgee Black hospital as a labor of love for his community. Jasmine Bivar-Tobie shares the story of Lewis’ ongoing pledge to ensure it is a Landmark for All Generations.

Despite humble beginnings in rural Oklahoma, Jalen Dorsey has built a stellar music career and a booming new business venture that proves it’s not where you came from- it’s about where you want to go. Shonda Little has details on the life of Jalen aka DJ Lite Brite and his thriving music and entrepreneurial endeavors.

High school. Years many of us simply want to forget. Yet, no matter how old you get or how many years have passed there is always a reunion that brings all those feelings flooding back. FBO’s Executive Producer Quraysh Ali Lansana shares his anxieties about attending his 40th high school reunion.

The holidays are always a special time of year when families come together to celebrate. But when grandma is slipped the “special brownies” and decides to share the gift that keeps on giving, well, that's when true memories are made. Here’s Sondra Slade.

Focus: Black Oklahoma is produced in partnership with KOSU Radio, Tulsa Artist Fellowship, and Tri-City Collective. Additional support is provided by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.

Our theme music is by Moffett Music.

Focus: Black Oklahoma’s executive producers are Quraysh Ali Lansana and Bracken Klar. Our associate producers are Smriti Iyengar and Jesse Ulrich.