Black History Month

[Doug Loudenback]

February has generally come to be recognized as Black History Month, and was so adopted by a January 15, 2002, Oklahoma City Council resolution. For my part, I learned a few days ago that a new book was published in late 2011 written by Rochelle Stephney-Roberson titled, Impact: Blacks In Oklahoma City History. Learning that, I purchased a copy on Friday. I've finished my book review in which I give it high marks, but not without some criticism. I've made an "Expanded" Table of Content so that the breadth of the book can be readily observed:

Click the image for a larger view:

[OKCisOK4me]

There was a town over by Muskogee, not in that list called IXL, I believe.

[windowphobe]

Lot of stuff there I'd like to read. I'll have to keep an eye peeled for this book.

[Doug Loudenback]

There was a town over by Muskogee, not in that list called IXL, I believe.

There were others, too. In her Preface, the author states:

The reader should know that this resource book is nowhere near a complete history of black history in the State of Oklahoma. It is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many important African Americans who have made a huge impact on this state who are not included. This is not because of their lack of importance or the amount or type of their contribution, but due to the fact that I simply had to have a cutoff point for my research. ¶ Throughout my many years of working in the public school system, I found that a large number of youth are not educated about the wonderful impact many African Americans have had on the state of Oklahoma as well as the nation. This is not because students are not interested, but because there has simply not been a tool of this kind available.

I'm not defending her on her omissions. In fact, I critique her for not mentioning some of the famous Deep Deuce musicians:

Content: 4 Stars. My opinion is that the author has very substantially succeeded in her dual goals of providing a book which could "educate youth" and "enhance the knowledge of adults" as to the contributions of American Americans in the State of Oklahoma. However, a few glaring omissions are important, most notably the Deep Deuce musicians such as Jimmy Rushing and Charlie Christian, who are not mentioned. I understand that the author had cost and spatial limitations, but there is simply no way that these musicians should not have been given a prominent place in any survey of the history of the contributions of African Americans in and to Oklahoma.

All things considered though, the book is a good start.

[Doug Loudenback]

For those interested, Rochelle Stepheny-Roberson is having a book signing of her book, Impact: Blacks in Oklahoma City History, tomorrow (Saturday, February 4, 2012) at 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM at 2000 N.E. 23rd St which is at N.E. 23rd & Martin Luther King Blvd. I'm planning to attend. I think but am not sure that this is her first book signing. I'm sure that copies will be available for purchase.

[Decious]

Thanks for the heads up Doug!