Oklahoma is one of the Republican-led states to have banned more than 1,000 books since the fall of 2021, bans that disproportionately affect works featuring black characters or addressing issues of race. Spotlight: Black Oklahoma’s Anthony Cherry discusses the impact of limiting literature in the classroom with educators.
Black women are arguably more visible than ever in American politics, with Kamala Harris assuming the vice-presidential role. Dawn Carter reports on a national organization working to increase the participation and representation of black women in the political process. For more coverage on the topics discussed in this story, you can listen to our January 2021 episode.
Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric was thrown into a Tulsa donut shop, along with Molotov cocktails, because it was hosting a drag queen event. This incident, and others like it, show that performers and even their allies have reason to fear and worry. Dr Nick Alexandrov details the growing number of anti-LGBTQ hate crimes.
Landmark of the Supreme Court of the United States McGirt v. Oklahoma The 2020 decision is a major victory for tribal sovereignty, giving tribal states jurisdiction over many crimes committed within their territories and by their citizens. However, determining the status of Oklahoma’s role on such issues has proven extremely contentious. StateImpact Oklahoma’s Logan Layden spoke with KOSU Indigenous Affairs Correspondent Allison Herrera about a case that highlights the complications involved.
Oklahoma health officials have been surveying high school students for decades, focusing on issues such as their alcohol use, nutrition and family life. Catherine Sweeney of StateImpact reports that data shows a surge in mental health problems.
Being your truest self in any life situation can sometimes be challenging. Jasmine Bivar-Tobie shares trying to respect and protect herself in another space.
Focus: Black Oklahoma is a collaboration 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 composed by Moffett Music.
Spotlight: Black Oklahoma is executive produced by Quraysh Ali Lansana and Bracken Klar. Our co-producers are Smriti Iyengar and Jesse Ulrich.
