Oklahoma Magazine May 2021 by Oklahoma Magazine

MAY 2021

1921 THE Tulsa

Race Massacre: A Retrospective

THE FUTURE

OF FILM A look to the horizon

BARBECUE

& GRILLING Delicious dishes, plus helpful tips

EMPOWERING

WOMEN Groups that inspire

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

M AY 2 0 21

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE

7 28

The Tulsa

A Retrospective

Perhaps the ugliest, largest and most shameful blot on Oklahoma’s history is the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. And until recently, it was an event largely swept under the rug. In the last few years, things have changed. Conversations have shifted. Finally, a horrible event is being presented factually. The truth has been brought to the light. Motivations have morphed into education, into reconciliation, into healing. In this retrospective, we take a look at Oklahoma’s burgeoning all-Black communities prior to the massacre; the event and its aftermath; the evolving education surrounding the massacre; the ﬂourishing Greenwood District as it stands today; and the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission and its hopes for a better, more united Tulsa.

Empowering Women in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Destinations Reykjavik, Iceland, is a vacation wonderland, no matter the season.

22 23 24 26

FYI Outside the Metro Scene Health

Taste

Award-winning chef Kevin Nashan’s new restaurant, La Tertulia, pays homage to his grandparents and to New Mexican cuisine.

64 65 66

Local Flavor Chef Chat Tasty Tidbits

Where and When May is jam-packed with community events, performances and festivals.

70 72

Film and Cinema Closing Thoughts MAY 2021

Life and Style

MAY 2021

Philanthropy People Community Culture Nature Insider

The landscape of film has shifted considerably in the last year. We size up the impact of COVID-19 on independently owned theaters, plus hypothesize about the future of film and the effects of streaming services. Enjoy some tips about getting extra work in Oklahoma and learn some important jargon for your foray onto a movie set.

Somewhere between camping and survivalism is bushcraft. Several Oklahomans can teach you its ways.

In this year’s spotlight, we look at a variety of nonprofit groups that lift women up, whether that’s through business resources, community support or crisis intervention. We also dive into meaningful leadership programs and the powerful females in the state’s education sector.

Exploring the Cinematic Sphere

State 10 12 13 14 16 18

Race Massacre:

V O L . X X V, N O . 5

Playing with Fire

Barbecue – one thing most Oklahomans know and love. In our annual feature, we discuss everything from grilling safety to the perfect side dish pairings, whether that’s okra, potato salad, cornbread or baked beans. We also take a look at competition culture around the state and the history of this delicious culinary art form, plus offer you a helpful listing of BBQ restaurants to visit.

1921 THE Tulsa

Race Massacre: A Retrospective

THE FUTURE

OF FILM A look to the horizon

BARBECUE

& GRILLING Delicious dishes, plus helpful tips

EMPOWERING

WOMEN Groups that inspire

ON THE COVER:

A CENTURY AFTER THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE, WE REFLECT ON THE EVENT AND ITS AFTERMATH, EXPLORE THE WAYS EDUCATION ON THE SUBJECT WAS SKEWED, AND TALK TO OKLAHOMA LEADERS ABOUT THE TULSA RACE MASSACRE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION. PHOTO COURTESY THE UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

Here to Help You Rebuild Your Life®

Divorce and Joint Tax Returns

When going through a divorce, parties may be faced with an approaching deadline for filing taxes. When married, most people ordinarily file a joint tax return unless living separately. However, if filing for divorce, a joint tax return can be tricky. With divorce and joint tax returns, both parties agree the return contains correct information. It is true that filing jointly can come with various tax benefits. To find out the pros and cons, it is essential to talk to a certified professional accountant. But when signing a joint tax return, both parties are agreeing to their income — in a joint and individual sense. Calculating child support or spousal support requires these income numbers. It is hard, if not impossible, for a party to come into court and later dispute these

figures if they have signed the joint tax return. In some cases, one party might have a concern that their spouse is overstating or understating their income. They also might be concerned about various other components of the tax return itself, in terms of its truthfulness and accuracy. If the divorce case involves a family business or other non-traditional assets, tax returns can get complicated. In these circumstances, while there is a tax benefit associated with filing jointly, this could be the reason to file separately. The tax return should note that the couple is married but living apart. Otherwise, a party could end up being audited or, worse, get in trouble with the Internal Revenue Service. For parties going through a divorce, it is vital not to blindly sign a joint tax return. Instead, seeking out the advice of a certified public accountant before making the decision is important. A divorce lawyer may also assist in the case of divorce and joint tax returns. Stange Law Firm, PC limits

their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters. Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.

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Tulsa County Office

6660 S. Sheridan Road, Suite 240

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133

Oklahoma County Office 2601 NW Expressway, Suite 411 W

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

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LET TER FROM THE EDITOR On May 31-June 1, 1921, one of the worst acts of racial violence in the U.S. happened right here in Oklahoma. This month, that event – the Tulsa Race Massacre – faces its centennial. In our retrospective on the topic (starting on page 28), we reflect on Oklahoma history prior to, during and after the event; explore the ways education on the subject has been skewed, hidden and corrected; and talk to a few Greenwood business owners and leadership at the Centennial Commission about the district now and in the future. The shame of the past is permanent, but Oklahoma leaders are working towards a better, more equitable future. We touch on women’s empowerment this month (page 45), delving into groups that lift women up – whether that’s through business resources, leadership opportunities or crisis intervention. We also offer our spotlight on barbecue and grilling (page 58). Whether you’re looking to debate the best BBQ sides or learn a bit about the history of this culinary art, we have you covered. Don’t miss our dive into Oklahoma’s film landscape (page 55), which explores the effects of the pandemic on small theaters and ways to get extra work around the state. We also try out a downtown New Mexican restaurant that’s taking Tulsa by storm (page 63), and learn about the survivalist lifestyle called bushcraft (page 7). Here’s hoping you read this one cover-to-cover; it’s a gem! Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

OKLAHOMA

PRESIDENT AND EDITORIAL DIRECTOR DANIEL SCHUMAN

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MANAGING EDITOR

MARY WILLA ALLEN

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR JOHN WOOLEY

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER GARRET T GREEN

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Oklahoma Magazine sits down with Phil Armstrong, Hannibal Johnson and Clifton Taulbert to discuss the history of the Tulsa Race Massacre, its reverberations over the last 100 years and the state of the Greenwood District as it stands today.

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THE STATE

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

AN ART AND A SCIENCE

Somewhere between camping and survivalism is bushcraft. Several Oklahomans can teach you its ways.

Phillip Liebel teaches the basics of bushcraft during his demonstrations. Photo courtesy Primitive Wilderness Survival

xperienced bushcrafters know that a sharp knife and a good hatchet are the tools of the trade ... especially the knife. Fire-building is the skill one can’t do without, followed closely by knottying and the ability to create shelter. “Even with a tarp, you still have to know how to pitch it in such a way as to keep the water off of you, and where the smoke from the campfire does not collect and hang under the tarp,” says longtime bushcrafter Marco Tello, who is also an Oklahoma City musician. “And it blocks the wind.” ‘Bushcraft’ is a rather modern term, most likely originating in Australia. ‘Woodcraft’ is an earlier iteration of the word, as in Horace

Kephart’s Camping and Woodcraft, first published in 1906. “It is kind of the original bible for bushcraft,” says Tello. “He had a methodology for city people to get out in the woods and enjoy nature, even if they didn’t have much money.” That was the golden age of camping, says Tello, because it was “the first time Americans went to the woods for recreation and relaxation.” Bushcrafters aren’t just campers, and not exactly survivalists. It’s more about the skills they develop, which could keep them alive should the need arise. It’s an art as much as a science. Phillip Liebel, who has Cherokee ancestry, learned the basics and then

found himself gravitating toward the meat-harvesting techniques of his forebearers. After several tries, he crafted a decent bow, then realized he needed to make an arrow. For the arrowhead, he honed flint-knapping skills. Then he moved on to the atlatl, used anciently to propel a spear. “One skill led to the next,” says Liebel, who lives in Chico, Texas, but often attends bushcraft meets with Oklahomans. “There was no turning back.” Ben Radley can grab some rope and a pile of twigs and lash together a sturdy camp chair. “My focus tends to be on camp crafts,” says Radley, who is the outdoor education director for the YMCA’s Camp Classen near Davis. He

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | S TA R T I N G O F F

Lessons Learned in the Woods: MARCO TELLO: “My time in the woods helped me make changes. Drinking, smoking and being hungover, you don’t learn as much.”

“I’ve always been a backpacker, but that’s diﬀerent from bushcrafting. Backpacking is technology, the latest gear. They are both pursuits of the woods, but it’s almost the opposite.”

PHILLIP LIEBEL:

“Everybody loves fire-making.” “The first few bows I made were pretty horrendous.”

BEN RADLEY: “Teaching about climate change is a lot more personal when you have this connection with nature.”

“Armadillos aren’t afraid of anything. A mature buck is the quietest thing in the world.”

Bushcraft is somewhere between camping and survivalism. Interested parties can visit Primitive Wilderness Survival to learn the basics, from starting a fire to catching and cooking food and creating adequate shelter. Photos courtesy Primitive Wilderness Survival

enjoys creating wooden bowls and spoons, and he loves to make fire. On a weather-perfect Saturday in March, Liebel and Radley teamed up at their campsite to demonstrate four ways to start a fire using little more than a stick and some tinder. They commenced with the ferro rod, followed by the flint and steel, the bow drill and the hand drill, which is the most primitive method. “Phillip is probably the best I’ve ever seen at the hand drill,” says Tello. “We try to get the friction fire. And occasionally we can fail, and we go to the next method.” Radley says his daughter, who is 12 and far more interested in bushcrafting than her 15-year-old brother, built her first ferro rod fire at age 5. Radley’s wife enjoys foraging for such wild edibles as morel mushrooms, chickweed, prickly pear cactus, hackberries and sand plums. Bushcrafting led Liebel to a study of ancient cultures. “Atlatls have been found on every continent,” he says. “They pre-date the bow and arrow. The Aztecs are the last people who were known users of the atlatl.” Neanderthals made pine-pitch glue, says Liebel, which he concocts from pine sap, animal droppings and charcoal or ashes, heating it just until it melts. He says he thinks more deeply about things since taking up bushcrafting. Take the importance of failure, for instance. “With these skills, you are going to fail the first time,” he says. “Archaeologists have found lots of half-finished and broken arrows and tools. But those people had to eat, so they started over.” Radley says that as young campers develop knife skills and practice fire-building, they learn how to mitigate risk. Often, he says, “they’ve spent their lives avoiding risk.” Tello, who comes from a family of restaurateurs, was drawn to the sections on wild game, wild edibles and how to cook over a campfire when he read Kephart’s book in the 1980s. Meals at bushcraft meets often include fresh-caught fish. If he’s had a rough week, Tello says, the woods are the place to be. But, “if things are going great,” he says, “I still want to be out in the woods.” KIMBERLY BURK

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

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T H E S TAT E | P H I L A N T H R O P Y

WEAVING TALENT AND GENEROSITY

Tulsa Area United Way’s CEO Alison Anthony says she’s just one piece of a large, altruistic puzzle.

Alison Anthony, CEO of Tulsa Area United Way since 2017, worked with the organization for many years before taking the helm. Photo courtesy TAUW

he Tulsa Area United Way might not be the hands distributing the meals, the carpenters rebuilding the homes or those physically cutting the checks issuing rent relief, but it is the organization providing the financial backing that makes those efforts possible. Through all of this, since August 2017, Alison Anthony has been TAUW’s president and CEO. Anthony’s work with the local United Way began long before she started leading the organization. Before coming to TAUW, she worked as the director of strategic outreach at Williams, and then as president of the Williams Foundation – the charitable arm of the Tulsa-based energy company. In both roles, she partnered with the United Way to help fund its annual campaign. Outside of her Williams office hours, Anthony found herself compelled by the United Way’s mission to unite people and resources to improve lives, so she got involved and chaired TAUW’s strategic planning initiative. With her fifth child finishing high school, Anthony started

Raising Funds in Tough Times

In a normal year, TAUW has 1,000 businesses running campaigns to raise the funds to keep Tulsa’s social security net strong. Over 25,000 donors came together in 2020 to raise over $24 million dollars – only $1.7 million shy of the 2019 total – in a much more challenging year. Anthony says these dollars fund 59 partner organizations of various sizes in six Tulsa-area counties, along with collaboration and innovation grant programs. “A lot of people do a capital campaign once in their lifetime to raise that type of money,” she says. “We do it every year.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

to consider how life might look differently, both personally and professionally. She hoped her next career move would be a defining role where she could leave a legacy. Enter TAUW. “I came to this role thinking not just about what good we’re doing for the community,” she says. “I came into it thinking if we’re really successful, the companies that run campaigns and the donors that give to us are also receiving great value for their participation with the United Way. I don’t just mean the altruistic, feel-good kind of stuff. I mean they really understand the value.” Anthony brings her experience on both the corporate funder and donor side of the United Way’s effort. She knows what it’s like to parse through potential projects that need funding, and she knows how to identify where a company’s mission and vision intersect with the heart of the United Way. But connecting funders with the cause is only half the equation. Anthony says one of the key wins during her tenure with

TAUW has been the continuous learning and collaboration around crisis response and the ability to leverage relationships to help the community to move forward during tough times. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, TAUW partnered with Tulsa Community Foundation to raise $3.7 million, meeting needs in the community before any federal dollars were available. Using the model they developed during the 2018 teacher strike, TAUW facilitated a collaborative effort to feed students when schools closed. Anthony would tell you she’s only one small piece of the puzzle. Thirty-two TAUW employees, a 40-person campaign cabinet and countless other volunteers are ignited by the mission, and work hard to be the bridge between Tulsa’s resources and those in need. “I think there’s so much value in the way the TAUW weaves together the talent and generosity of so many people to know that we’re connecting and caring for each other with compassion.” LAUREN MIERS

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T H E S TAT E | P E O P L E

The Early Years

AN HONORARY OKIE

Drummer Steve Short got his start early, and has since played with many music greats.

Oklahoma drummer Steve Short has a prolific music career. Photo by Carol Mowdy Bond

hether it’s mellow or high energy, most of us respond viscerally to music. And Steve Short is all over the place, keeping the pulse going. The Yukon drummer is one of four Oklahomans touring with the Sooner State’s Darci Lynn Farmer of America’s Got Talent fame. “I started touring with Lynn on her national Darci Lynn, Fresh Out of The Box Tour in early 2019,” says Short. Now on a pandemic hiatus, he says, “fingers crossed, we should be back on tour in mid-July.” But he’s also backed up a catalog of legendary names. Ranking Oklahomans at the top, he explains: “One of the more notables includes Reba McEntire. I toured and recorded with her for three years. And I’m happy to have played on her Christmas album, which is double platinum at over two million records. And I played in the new Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., with Reba. I’ve recorded with other Okies such as Byron Berline, Vince Gill, Kyle Dillingham, Wanda Jackson and Mason Williams.” And Short’s favorite experiences include his performances on the iconic Hee Haw country-music-and-humor

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

television variety show. “I played drums on one show when Reba sang a duet with Roy Clark,” says Short. “Playing while Roy sang was one of the highlights of my career.” He’s also drummed for Johnny Gimble, Leon McAuliffe and Leon Rausch, who was known as the voice of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. “Western Swing is my favorite thing to play,” says Short. “It’s a lot of fun. I’ve also done a lot of faith-based stuff. I’ve performed on over 600 Trinity Broadcasting Network shows.” Besides making the traps sizzle, Short also produces, mixes and engineers music for other artists. Quick to laugh and somewhat of a comic, Short doesn’t sit still. He’s played the entire U.S., plus China, much of Europe, and Canada. “I’ve been everywhere, man,” he says. “And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.” Short has turned down relocation opportunities, including to Nashville. “I love going to other places to work,” he says. “But I love coming home to Oklahoma. I’ve had a very blessed career. I am so proud to be an Okie.” CAROL MOWDY BOND

Jerry Short’s son, Steve Short, found those good vibrations early. Jerry’s country gospel band, The Countrymen, recorded several albums, and Steve wanted to be part of the music. So, Jerry gave 10-year-old Steve his first drum, and that’s where it all began. “My training started almost immediately,” says Short. “That summer I went on tour with dad’s band, quietly playing one drum with brushes.” Short never took music lessons; instead, the Countrymen’s seasoned musicians taught him to play drums. At age 13, Short played in Nashville at the Grand Ole Opry in Ryman Auditorium with his family. “It’s hard to top playing at the Ryman,” he says. Adding fuel to the excitement, Steve recalls a particularly fond memory: “Sitting on George Jones’ tour bus with just George, his wife and me, talking about anything and everything for 30 minutes. I will never forget how I felt at that moment.”

T H E S TAT E | C O M M U N I T Y

THE BEAUTY OF FOSTERING

Preparing animals for adoption is a muchneeded service at Oklahoma shelters.

care for animals that aren’t ready to be adopted. According to its website, Second Chance houses close to 100 dogs and cats and annually finds homes for more than 600 animals. Animals rescued from euthanasia by Second Chance often aren’t spayed or neutered, have other veterinary needs or might have behavioral or training issues, says Grimm. “We help animals in need, and one of best ways to do that is by fostering the animal,” she says. Fosters select an animal from the organization’s website, then pick up the animal and keep it for one to two weeks. In the case of those needing veterinary care or spaying or neutering, they keep the animal safe until the animal’s veterinary appointment. Second Chance provides food and whatever else the animal needs, depending on their own resources, says Grimm. The organization operates entirely on donations. Fosters always have a chance to adopt the animal. “We never want a situation where the foster wants the animal and we have to take it away from them,” says Grimm. “They get the first chance because they gave us a chance to save the animal by fostering them.” Naomi Cunningham of southwest Oklahoma City began fostering Second Chance animals in December, and by early spring, had fostered close to 15 puppies. “It’s great - I love it. You get to get a new puppy [each time],” she says. The Oklahoma City Animal Shelter has had a fostering program for several years, but Wise says one facet – the “Flash Foster” program, whereby an animal is checked out to a foster caretaker for only a few hours – is fairly new. “Any [animal] available for adoption can be taken out for a few hours a day,” says Wise. “It gets them out the shelter for a break.” Wise said weekend or overnight fostering is also proving popular. Johnson says the Humane Society of Tulsa has had only a few requests from fosters who want to keep an animal part-time but has a “take a pet home for Christmas” program for temporary foster stays. Wise says that while the Oklahoma City fostering program has been in place for several years, it has gained popularity recently, “because we’re trying to save as many animals as possible. People are willing to help more.” The need is there, she says, for the fostering program to grow even more.

hen it comes to saving animals that might otherwise be headed for euthanasia, “failure” can be viewed as a good thing. A “foster fail” occurs when someone volunteers to care for an animal temporarily, and winds up keeping it rather than returning it to the shelter. That’s the best possible outcome of a fostering situation, says Hank Johnson, board member for the Humane Society of Tulsa. “It happens quite a bit,” he says. “People don’t want to give the animal up.” Crystal Wise, administrative specialist with the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter and overseer of its foster care program, says a number of people who agree to foster animals participate in the shelter’s Foster to HENRY DOLIVE Adopt program specifically for that reason. Rose Grimm, manager of the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Norman, says fosters OKC ANIMAL WELFARE SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL SANCTUARY represent an important 405-297-3100 405-321-1915 type of rescue. Second awinfo@okc.gov secondchancenorman.com Chance works with normansecondchance@gmail.com animal shelters statewide OKLAHOMA HUMANE SOCIETY to rescue dogs and cats 405-286-1229 Ext. 1 HUMANE SOCIETY OF TULSA that otherwise would be okhumane.org 918-495-3647 euthanized, and depend fido@tulsapets.com or spot@tulsapets.com foster@okhumane.org on fosters to temporarily

Looking to Foster?

Humane societies and shelters are always looking for people to foster animals not quite ready for adoption. Photo courtesy Second Chance Animal Shelter

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

T H E S TAT E | C U LT U R E

A COMMUNITY OF ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT

Skateboarding culture offers beginners and pros alike a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of life lessons.

Above left: Skateboard shops around Oklahoma enjoy helping green skaters learn the ropes. Photo courtesy Nine One Skate Above right: The skateboarding community is “very welcoming,” says Trey Carson with Nine One Skate in Tulsa. Photo by Danny Perez

ith parks dedicated to skateboarding popping up across Oklahoma, this sport is slowly moving into the mainstream. The community that skaters have created is one of acceptance and support. There is typically an anticipation of perceived intimidation before a skater tries a park for the first time, says Jake Shelton, owner of Core Board Shop in Oklahoma City. But that isn’t what they’ll find. “When they get there, the rest of us are cheering them,” he says. “It’s a very welcoming community,” seconds Trey Carson, the sales manager at Nine One Skate in Tulsa. “It’s the least judgemental community I’ve ever come across, because we

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

come from all walks of life.” Carson has been skating for a couple of decades now and loves to see kids come into his shop to learn more about the activity. But, like most sports, there are lessons everyone can use ... even after they get off their boards. “It’s always awesome getting these kids stoked on skateboarding. It teaches you a lot of trial and error and it teaches you how to not give up on yourself,” says Carson. “You can apply that to your everyday life skills.” And, it’s easy to get started for cheap, says Shelton. “That’s what’s cool about skateboarding – you’re going to be skating on the exact same wood that the pros are skating on; there’s no difference in between,” he says. Most boards are the same length, but changes in the width determine whether, with slimmer boards, they are easier to flip or spin. Beginners may want to start with a wider board that can be easier to control. Local skate shops are a great place to try out equipment and to plug into the skateboarding community. Shelton says his shop works hard to help skaters who want to learn and grow. “As long as you’re skating, you’re part of the culture with us,” he says. BONNIE RUCKER

Skate Smart With any new sport, consideration should be taken for safety. A full complement of protection can be purchased: helmet, wrist guards, and elbow and knee pads. Shelton mentions that having all the pads can help beginners not become discouraged by falls. However, he also mentions that some more seasoned skaters find it necessary to learn from the bumps and bruises. “Some of us really have to earn what we learn,” he says. “The slams just kind of teach us a little bit.” But head protection is always important to prolong a skating career. In recent years, parks dedicated to skating have been built around the state. Safety, and what the regulars call “park etiquette” is important there. Shelton says not to run across the middle of an obstacle; to wait your turn in line; and to help others up when they fall in your path. And if you make a mistake in that etiquette, slap hands with your buddy and apologize. He says that these rules help keep everyone safe and equal, and ensures that no one gets more turns because they are a better skater. Sounds like good advice for life.

T H E S TAT E | N AT U R E

EQUINE ADVENTURES Oklahoma is an ideal spot for horseback happenings.

All expertise levels are welcome at Lakeside Trail Ride in Claremore. Photo courtesy Lakeside Trail Ride

f anyone’s in the market for an adventure this summer, ranches and stables around Oklahoma offer horseback riding courses and excursions. Husband and wife duo Keith Remer and Jeanne Keffer Remer own Honey Lee Ranch in Jones, and the stable provides guided trail rides for guests above the age of six. In 2008, Keith bought the land that would later become the ranch, and he spent years building it into what it is today. “No one shared my vision of what the land could be,” he says, “because at the time, it was a literal dumping ground.” In 2016, the ranch officially expanded into a business that offers not only trail rides, but space for party venues and horse boarding. “I never imagined that people would soon come from every

RIDE SAFE

At all stables and ranches, safety requirements are in place for both rider and horse protection. This includes quick but concise training on how to manage the horses on the trails prior to riding, and possible safety equipment, such as helmets. “We have a lot of safety procedures that are tried and true,” Keith Remer says. “The vast majority of our guests have never ridden and shouldn’t have an experience where they are afraid of falling oﬀ.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

corner of the world to ride our horses,” says Keith. “I feel that our greatest accomplishment has been the joy and pleasure that Honey Lee Ranch has provided for many hundreds of people.” The couple has spent countless years around horses and have both been riding since they were young; Keith borrowing horses from friends and family to learn, and Jeanne on her family’s quarter horse breeding and boarding operation in Oregon. “Eventually, I became the treatment director in a wilderness treatment program that used equine therapy for juvenile delinquents,” says Jeanne. “We travelled 15 to 25 miles a day, five days a week, for 10 months at a time. That experience prepared me for long days, many miles and true joy in the saddle.”

A FEW EXTRA TIPS: • • • •

Wear protective headgear If passing another horse, approach slowly and verbally indicate a desire to pass Keep at least one horse length between animals as you’re riding If you fall, roll away from the horse quickly to avoid trampling

Lakeside Trail Ride in Claremore also offers trails for anyone interested in learning more about the activity. Owner Holly Doner has always fostered a love of all things equine. “I had cousins that had horses,” says Doner. “We would just try to catch them and stay on as long as we could, no saddles.” Doner eventually went into the equestrian and horsemanship program at Rogers State University and purchased her first horse. Lakeside Trail doesn’t discriminate on expertise – if you want to ride, you can. “We can provide a trail for anybody,” says Doner. “It doesn’t matter what your skill level is.” Soon-to-be owner of Sequoyah Riding Stables, Cheyanne Kirk, was raised around horses and even competed in professional barrel racing competitions. “Now I’m into trail horses,” she says. “I just love being in nature and around the horses.” Sequoyah Riding Stables in Hulbert currently offers a one-hour guided trail ride, but Kirk hopes to expand the trails soon so more adventures can be discovered. “I’m wanting to add longer trails by the lake and looking into possibly opening a petting zoo,” she says. KAYLIE COTTEN

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T H E S TAT E | I N S I D E R

THREE CORDS AND THE TRUTH

James Robert Webb, a successful doctor, is reviving a college dream with his country tunes.

James Robert Webb balances a career as a radiologist with his blossoming musical aspirations. Photo by Katie Kauss, KDK Creative

n a morning not long ago, as James Robert Webb sat gazing out his hotel room window at the Nashville skyline, he found himself recalling another room, another view, and another time. The memory came from a couple of decades earlier in his life, back when he was a student at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee. “My friends and I had a band,” he says. “We were playing in side bands and playing at the university level, too, in the symphonic band and jazz band, and we were backing the people who were doing the big fall talent show at OBU. One evening, one of those people said to me, ‘You’re really good. Have you ever thought about going to L.A. or Nashville?’

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

“I can remember sitting by the window in my dorm room, looking out at the setting sun, and saying something to the effect of, ‘Yeah, I really love music. But I’d like to have a family someday, and I know that musicians don’t make a lot of money. You struggle a lot.’ “That was the crossroads,” he adds. “It’s a moment in my life that I come back to. It’s hard to predict success, and ‘success’ can mean different things, but having the tenacity to spend 13 years in training after high school – I think if I’d applied that differently, I would’ve been a successful songwriter-artist.” Instead, after that 13 years he became a successful medical doctor. He currently runs his radiology practice out of Tulsa – where, he notes, “I get to help people, and that’s hard to beat. I’m in a niche where I actually get to help people every day. That’s really rewarding to me.” That does not mean, however, that his musical path remained forever untaken. It was only postponed – albeit for quite a few years. As it turns out, Webb was in that Music City hotel room recently because, later on that day, he’d be in a recording session with the famed record producer Buddy Cannon and a studio full of Nashville cats, taking another step in his progression toward genuine country-music stardom. Webb’s story is an unusual one, if only because there haven’t been that many physicians who’ve also pursued serious careers in music. (The most recent one of national note, Virginia-based cardiologist Cleve Francis,

charted some minor country hits in the early ‘90s.) The exigencies of a life in medicine make it tough for doctors to do much of anything else, and when a family is thrown into the mix, the notion of a second career seems, if not downright ludicrous, then certainly improbable. Still, James Robert Webb is giving it a real shot. “It’s a balancing act, and I don’t know how good I am at balancing, but I do know that it’s got to be first things first,” he explains. “The medicine cannot suffer. That’s priority number one. And then, I try to keep family time at number two – like everybody else, though, I’m not always successful at that. “I know I have to keep my health intact, and I’ve got to keep my medical practice, and I’ve got to keep my family. And then it’s music.” He laughs. “It’s not easy, but I enjoy it. That’s the only way you could do it. It’s the only reason to do it.” Webb’s been enjoying music since his early youth, growing up on a farm outside of Kellyville. “Some of my earliest memories are of listening to my parents’ eight-tracks,” he recalls. “Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Elton John. My dad was all country, and Mom listened to everything, so I had a lot of different influences at home. There was a piano in the house, and I remember, as a little kid – I couldn’t have been more than three or four – being enamored with the sounds it made.” Like a lot of kids, Webb took piano lessons early in his life, but admits to never really developing his sight-reading skills to a high degree, always playing more by ear than by chart. Still, he kept on learning at the piano, even as he added new instruments to his repertoire. “My dad got me a guitar when I was, I think, 14, and I spent a lot of my teenage years playing along to songs on KMOD, the rock station [in Tulsa], so I was self-taught that way. I gravitated toward percussion in junior high and high school, and then I was

in the Kellyville jazz band. I was actually the All-State jazz piano player one year.” It was during Webb’s student years, in the ‘90s, that Oklahoma artists began to leave what would become an indelible mark on the country-music scene, with the likes of Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Ronnie Dunn and Reba McEntire rocketing to the top of the charts and selling out stadiums. They were an inspiration for Webb, even if he wasn’t planning a career in music at the time. “Those are the people who did it for me in country,” he says. “That era of music is the last great golden age, I think, for country music. It was something new. There was a different energy. The lyrics were great, the music was exciting and you had these great artists.” Thanks to his grandparents, who would tell him stories about Bob and Johnnie Lee Wills and the legendary Cain’s Ballroom radio broadcasts over Tulsa’s KVOO, he also knew about another notable Oklahoma contribution to popular music – western swing, which Webb has called “the world’s best antidepressant.” So it’s hardly unusual that one of the first songs to get him noticed nationally

was an unabashedly swinging version of “Tulsa Time,” the old Don Williams (country) and Eric Clapton (rock) hit.

“I know I have to keep my health intact, and I’ve got to keep my medical practice, and I’ve got to keep my family. And then it’s my music.” “I knew I wanted to do a western-swing song,” he recalls, “because we had [ fiddler] Joe Spivey and a couple of other Time Jumpers [the Nashville-based westernswing band] on the session. So Buddy and I were talking about it, and thinking we might do something like [the Wills standard] ‘Take Me Back to Tulsa.’ “It was the first day of the session, and we hadn’t really settled on anything. Then, Buddy walks in with this gleam in his eye, hands me a piece of paper, and says, ‘What do you think about this?’ “It was ‘Tulsa Time.’ And I said, ‘Brilliant.’

“It really was perfect,” he adds, because some of what I like to do as an artist and producer is to take things and spin them 180 degrees.” Although his peppy western-swing take on “Tulsa Time” came in for a significant amount of airplay – notably on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse, Willie Nelson’s satellite-radio channel – Webb knows that country radio has generally been resistant to pure swing tunes. So, while he plans to record more westernswing music, he figures, given the realities of the industry, that’ll be more of a side project for him, done while he and producer Cannon continue to seek breakout contemporary-country hits. “But,” he adds, “I’m really looking forward to doing it, and I’ve already got a few songs I’m considering recording through the lens of western swing. It’s happy music, upbeat, and it’s got everything that typical country music has – three chords and the truth, you know. He laughs again, “And a lot of times with western swing,” he concludes, “It’s just two chords.” JOHN WOOLEY

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MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & STYLE

A M A P TO L I V I N G W E L L

A NORTHERN ADVENTURE

Photo by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

Reykjavik, Iceland, is a vacation wonderland, no matter the season.

hey say timing is everything. Regarding travel planning, this saying is especially true in order to maximize a destination’s essence. Plan now for a unique experience: celebrate New Year’s Eve in Reykjavik, Iceland. The northernmost capital of the world is the quirky yet chic city where a historic tradition becomes the place where two years meet (called Amaratabrennur). It occurs at the bonfire and fireworks celebration; this ritualistic cleansing burns away the past year and ushers in the new one with its catharsis. All corners of the city view the fireworks, while many gather at bonfires starting at 8 p.m. Don’t confuse this for a campfire-sized

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

blaze ... it’s the largest bonfire you’ll ever experience. Crowds assemble, bands perform on stage and the radiance of roaring fire’s heat will be felt on your cheeks as you gaze into the inferno. In the center of the bonfire is the enigmatic Aegishjalmur symbol, burning with Norse pride. This rune symbolizes protection for warriors and resembles a shield with eight wands around its center. Serving as a spiritual compass, Aegishjalmur is aglow within this orange blaze, unifying winter-clad spectators preparing for a midnight display. After the communal circle of people marvel at the bonfire in a crescendo of excitement, they transition to champagne and Kleinur pastry

Lodging and Dining: • • • • • • •

Sandholdt Bakery – Lunch Kaﬀibrennslan – Coﬀee Salka Valka Fish and More – Authentic cuisine Geiri Smart – Elegant dinner The Irishman – Tavern CenterHotel Klopp – Conveniently located lodging Hotel Leifur Eriksson – Town plaza

Wardrobe:

Weather ranges from snowing to 50 degrees, so dress in layers. Wear weatherproof boots with comfortable tread.

L I F E & S T Y L E | D E S T I N AT IONS

GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY

Photo by Gina Michalopulos Kingsley

A New Year’s Eve trip to Reykjavik, Iceland, can include fireworks, large bonfires, community events and delicious eats. Photos courtesy Ragnar Th/Visit Reykjavík unless otherwise marked

for a midnight snack. First of all, it’s midnight in Iceland. Absorb that visual for awhile, then try to comprehend the amount of fireworks being discussed here: 500-600 tons of fireworks filling the sky. The nation’s approximately 365,000 inhabitants are involved in this tradition, some spending an entire month’s salary on these pyrotechnics. Children and adults in these wee morning hours are mesmerized with the smoldering flames, raging bonfire and incendiary exhibition. While there are many vantage points for this event, the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church is one that happens to be a focal point of the city-center. This writer’s experience was at a vast field not far from town. The fireworks splurge supports the Icelandic Search and Rescue Teams, which are run by volunteers. Many cultures consider noise and fire as ways to purge evil spirits and invite good luck, but this specific ritual emphasizes the flames disintegrating wood as a symbolism of renewal. Mythology claims that elves and trolls emerge from their hidden dwellings to meld into the magical night with their mischief. Be prepared to enjoy the ruckus until dawn. It only reinforces the jubilance and pomp of this town’s culture. During the day, stroll through the square of cozy, snug coffeehouses, cafes and beguiling boutiques. Amble through the colorful, whimsical streets to reach aforementioned Hallgrimskirkja Church. Ascend the grandiose tower for the best view of the city. Visit Solfarid (the Sun Voyager) sculpture on the shore. This art masterpiece, given in honor of the 200th anniversary of Reyjavik, incorporates the Aegishjalmur symbol. Resembling a Viking ship representation, it’s actually the rune curved inward. The symmetry of appreciating this symbol amidst ocean waves after experiencing it in the wilderness night fire defines this moment of Icelandia. Twinkle lights strewn across buildings form a canopy of decor around town. Christmas trees affixed to buildings, decorated street lamps and candelabras glowing inside windows are distinctive Reykjavik visuals inspiring this winter wonderland.

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

L I F E & S T Y L E | F YI

ENSURING FINANCIAL SECURITY

Keeping your banking information safe only takes a few simple steps.

iving in a digital age means that most of the time, life is more convenient. Despite the ease, many don’t consider how the rise in digitization has, in some ways, compromised financial security. Kathrynn Cavanaugh with The First State Bank in Oklahoma City offers a few easy-to-utilize tips to keep your money secure. “Always shop or make purchases from a trusted and verified source,” she says. “Beware of phishing scams, like texts on your phone with links, even if they look legitimate. And shop in stores that have chip readers.” According to Cavanaugh, checking to see if a website is reputable is quick and easy. “You can look for a ‘lock’ in the upper left-hand corner of the URL to show that the website is securely encrypted,” she says. “Use a credit card to make online purchases so that it is not tied to liquid funds, in the event that fraud does happen. Always keep your bank account numbers, checkbooks, etc. in a secure location that only the account holder has access to.” When asked if it’s safe to store info like passwords, card information and contact information on web browsers, Cavanaugh says yes to Google Chrome or Apple Pay. “These technologies use

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

biometric verification, such as a fingerprint, when using on your phone,” she says. “You can also visit the privacy settings of your preferred web browser to see or reset any tracking information and limit what information you share.” Many websites share tips on how to keep your financial information secure, including the following from nerdwallet.com: No. 1 could be the simplest but possibly the most important: Safeguard your Social Security number.

The Basics: • Ensure a website is encrypted by checking for a lock in the upper left-hand corner

• Visit stores with chip readers if possible

• Keep bank information and checkbooks in a secure location

• Avoid storing information on web browsers if possible

• Shred mail with sensitive information

• Review monthly financial statements

• Routinely check your credit scores

• Subscribe to text alerts from your financial institution

Still receiving statements in the mail? Shred anything that has account information on it before you throw it in the trash. After all, stolen mail is a great way for someone to access valuable information. Have your mail held at the post office if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period. In fact, many aren’t aware of a service offered by the post office in which you can receive an email every day that mail is delivered and what to expect in your mailbox. Check it out at usps.org. When you receive a financial statement, look over every transaction and ensure it was made by you or someone in your household. There are three major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. Check your credit reports with them on a regular basis to watch for signs of fraudulent actions. Have accounts in deferment or forbearance? These will show up on your credit report as well and can be monitored for accuracy. Take advantage of the alerts offered by your bank or other financial institution. Account holders can sign up to receive texts or emails when credit cards are used or when a deposit or withdrawal is made. “And don’t post sensitive information on social media,” says Cavanaugh. DEBI TURLEY

L I F E & S T Y L E | O U T SI D E T H E M E T R O

ITS OWN IDENTITY

Home of the Sooners, Norman welcomes tourists to enjoy its enduring charm.

O Norman, on the outskirts of the OKC metro, provides a variety of must-see destinations. Photo courtesy Visit Norman

READY

TO VISIT? VisitNorman visitnorman.com 405-366-8095 Sam Noble Museum samnoblemuseum. ou.edu 405-325-7977 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art ou.edu/fjjma 405-325-3272 National Weather Center ou.edu/nwc 405-325-1147 University of Oklahoma tours tour.ou.edu 405-325-2151

nce a picturesque, quiet college town on Oklahoma City’s southern doorstep, Norman has assumed an identity of its own – and with an estimated population of 124,000, is Oklahoma’s third-largest city. Home to the University of Oklahoma, Norman offers residents and visitors a smorgasbord of educational opportunities, shopping, dining, entertainment, two world-class museums and, oh yeah, big-time college athletics. Much of Norman’s life has been shut down or slowed considerably over the past year because of restrictions imposed by COVID-19, but organizations are anticipating a gradual reopening this spring and summer. “We are really excited to reopen Norman,” says Stefanie Brickman, communications manager for Visit Norman. “Some things are already scheduled.” On local calendars thusfar are three events scheduled for the Oct. 2-3 weekend when the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team is visiting Kansas State. (Brickman explains that in planning fall events, organizers tend to focus on open dates or away games.) Happenings that weekend include the Aviation Festival, Oct. 2; the Wells Family

Christmas Market at the Wells Tree Farm, Oct. 2; and the Farm Girl Fair, an open-air arts and crafts event on Oct. 3. Activities such as these have helped solidify Norman’s reputation as a “city of festivals and events,” says Brickman. She also noted that two other longtime events, canceled last year because of the pandemic, will be back – the annual Jazz in June festival, June 17-19, and the second Friday Art Walk, beginning May 14 in downtown’s Walker Arts District. OU, however, continues to be a major tourist draw and a community focal point, although campus tours continue to be restricted due to COVID, says Danielle Dunn, director of communications for the division of enrollment management. “The University of Oklahoma’s campus as a whole is a great place to visit,” she says. Named a tier one research institution by the Carnegie Foundation and a Best Value College by Princeton Review, OU boasts over 170 undergraduate degree programs and 550 student organizations. For visitors, Dunn says the campus is flat and walkable. The city’s two major museum attractions, both connected to OU, are

the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and the Sam Noble Natural History Museum. Fred Jones is free to all visitors and is home to more than 20,000 permanent pieces, including rare works of French Impressionism, Native American art, along with 20th century American paintings and sculptures. Dunn calls attention to the Bizzell Memorial Library, a National Historic Landmark that sits at the heart of the campus and features unique Cherokee Gothic architecture. It’s Oklahoma’s largest research library and houses a number of rare books. Brittany Belli with the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum says the institution is unique because it’s not only a natural history museum, but also a universityrelated museum and is Oklahoma’s designated natural history museum. “It’s a trifecta, and most museums don’t have that,” she says. The National Weather Center is also located near the OU campus. There, more than 550 scientists, meteorologists, climatologists, students and staff work to improve the understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere and severe weather events. HENRY DOLIVE

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

LIFE & ST YLE | SCENE

Cathy Keating, Bill Anoatubby, Edie Roodman; 36th Annual Distinguished Service Awards Luncheon, OKC Beautiful

Claire Painter, Mallory Stone, Sarah London, Melissa Prigmore, Natalie Sacket-Evans, Jennifer Seaton; VIBES, Edmond Fine Arts Association

Stephanie Carel, Mariah Milton, Carrie Milton; 20th Anniversary Bash of Silver Leaf Gems, Downtown Edmond Business Association

Don & Barbara Thompson; Views of Greenwood exhibit, Philbrook Museum, Tulsa

Kaitlyn Peterson, Sophie Barnard, Anne Surrell, Ms. Edens; Investor Challenge Virtual Stock Market Simulation, Junior Achievement of Oklahoma, Tulsa

Kaitlyn Wood, Michelle Tahah, Daryn Kirkpatrick, Jeremiah Taha; Practice for Fight For Air Climb, American Lung Association, OKC

Lance Swearengin, Mary Bixler, Dar Yasseri, Mike Widell; OSU-OKC Farmers Market opening day, Scissortail Park, OKC

Tim Lyons, Karen Keith; partner agency visits, Tulsa Area United Way

Jim & Susan Owens, Dasi & Sam Owens; Street Party 2021 preparations, Street School, Tulsa

Robin Suarez, Jamee Suarez-Howard; 2021 Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing recipients, Oklahoma Alliance for Animals, Tulsa

Rick Grundman, Weldon Watson, Kevin Keller, Jon Lawrence, GT Bynum, Jo Anna Dossett, Jeﬀ Boatman, Regina Goodwin, Regina Moon, Fred Perry; CAP month pinwheel event, Parent Child Center of Tulsa

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Ross Harper, Bradley Kirouac, Benny Jacobs; pint night, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, OKC

Carrie & Carley Williams; TBH event, Tulsa Boys’ Home

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L I F E & S T Y L E | HE ALT H

Behavioral and physical warning signs of ARFID:

UNDERSTANDING ARFID

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder can be developed through biological, psychological or social factors.

voidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a relatively new diagnosis of disordered eating, says physician Amy Middleman, chief of adolescent medicine at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in OKC. “It was first included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013,” she says. “While commonly reported among children and adolescents, adults can present with ARFID. ARFID refers to disordered eating, leading to significant weight loss, or failure to gain appropriately for children, significant nutritional deficiencies, reliance on oral or nasogastric tube supplementation, and disruption of psychosocial functioning.” Middleman adds that those with ARFID do not have body image disturbance, and the disorder cannot be due to cultural food practices or food insecurity. Valerie E. Grogan, a registered dietitian with the adolescent eating disorders program at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital in Tulsa, describes ARFID as “picky eating in its most extreme manifestation.” But this doesn’t mean that every picky eater has ARFID. “The hallmarks of ARFID include a lack of interest in eating, avoiding foods based on a sensory characteristic of the food, like taste, texture, color or smell, or worries about any perceived negative consequences of eating certain foods,” says Grogan. “This avoidant

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

behavior can lead to an individual being persistently underweight – or if a child, not following appropriate weight or growth markers on growth charts.” Grogan says that like other eating disorders, there is a biopsychosocial triad for developing ARFID. “This means there is a range of biological (genetic), psychological (temperament) and social (environmental) factors that play into whether an individual will develop an eating disorder like ARFID,” she says. “Patients can have any combination of these three factors in varying degrees of severity, which means two people with the same diagnosis can have different etiologies in the development of their struggles and very different presentations.” Grogan says the generally accepted cooccurring morbidities that increase the risk of developing ARFID include Autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, intellectual disabilities and other anxiety disorders, as well as children who do not outgrow developmentally appropriate ‘picky eating.’ According to Middleman, the treatment for ARFID depends on the patient and their concerns, and that management of all disordered eating is most effective with the help of an interdisciplinary team, including an experienced medical provider, mental health provider and registered dietitian.

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Lack of interest in eating

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Avoiding foods based on their sensory characteristics (taste, texture, color, smell)

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Worries about perceived consequences of eating certain foods (vomiting, choking, etc.)

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Sudden refusal to eat certain foods

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Very slow eating

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Diﬀiculty eating in front of others

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Lack of weight gain

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Weight loss

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Lack of or delayed growth

“Disordered eating is often a response to psychological distress. However, the medical consequences can be quite severe,” she says. “It is critical to recognize and seek care if disordered eating patterns are suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment are associated with improved outcomes and health status.” Grogan adds the reminder that individuals who struggle with eating disorders do not choose to develop eating pathology, just as someone with allergies does not choose to have hay fever. “It is so important to accept and support those who struggle with these illnesses and recognize that the anxieties and fears they feel are real and significant enough to interfere with their lives,” she says. “It is very possible to have full recovery from eating disorders, including ARFID. Treatment, support from loved ones and hope are key in helping people overcome their struggles and lead the lives they were meant to live, without the burden of fear or worries about eating and food.” REBECCA FAST

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Above: The Greenwood District was under attack from May 31-June 1, 1921, during the Tulsa Race Massacre. Photo courtesy Oklahoma Historical Society Left: This postcard shows a group of Black detainees being marched past the corner of Second and Main under armed guard. A truck is parked in front of Tulsa’s convention hall during the massacre carrying injured, dead or captured Black Tulsans. A white man in civilian attire stands guard over them. Photos courtesy the University of Tulsa

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

PERHAps THE ugliESt, lARgESt AND moST sHAmeful blot ON Oklahoma’s hISTOry IS THE Tulsa Race MASsacRE OF 1921. AND uNTil REcENTly, IT wAS AN eVENT lARgely swept uNDEr THE rug, OR – AT bESt – wildly downplayED, ESsENTiaLLy REwrITtEN TO fIT a racISt agENda. THE eVENT wAS HAltED from rISINg TO THE FORefrONt OF dIScußIONs abOUt OUr STATe’s hISTOry. IN THE lASt Few YEArs, thINgs HAVE cHAngED. CONVErsATIONs HAVE shiftED. FINaLLy, a hORribLE eVENT IS beINg pREsENTED factuaLLy.

THE truth HAS bEEn brOUght TO THE light. MoTIvATIONs HAVE mORpHEd INTO EDucATION, INTO REcONciliATION, INTO HEalINg. IN thIS REtrospecTIVE, we take a lOOk AT Oklahoma’s burgeONINg aLL-Black coMMunITiES prIOr TO THE mASsacRE; THE eVENT AND ITs aftERmATh; THE evolvINg EDucATION suRROUNDINg THE MASsacRE; THE FlOUrIShINg GREENwOOd DIStrict AS IT STANDs TOday; AND THE Tulsa Race MASsacRE CENTENnial CoMMISsION AND ITs hopES FOR a beTTER, mORe

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MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Tulsa-based author Clifton Taulbert often poses a question when he lectures about the history of Black Oklahomans. “How did these people recently freed from enslavement get the mental wherewithal to go out and found towns and universities and start businesses?” Taulbert typically asks his audience. A primary answer, he says, is that they were “driven by creating a future for their children.” Many of the more than 4 million formerly enslaved people left the South. The first all-Black town, Nicodemus, Kan., was founded in 1877 and exists today, Taulbert says. By 1901, dozens of Black towns were thriving across Oklahoma. “Pioneering was the way of life for all Americans about that time period,” he says. “You were always looking for a place to plant your dreams. That did not get lost on their aspirations.” Langston founder E. P. McCabe was a primary Black towns proponent “and perhaps the most important booster for Oklahoma as an all-Black state,” says Karlos Hill, P.h.D, chairman of the department of African and African-American studies at the University of Oklahoma. Though McCabe’s proposal “did not come close to happening,” says Hill, “the vision was that it could be a place where Black people could own land, could build businesses, could see in Oklahoma a promised land, could live out their lives to the fullest extent, without racism.” Tulsa’s Greenwood district was platted in 1906. With statehood in 1907, “it was uniquely positioned to prosper because of legal segregation,” says Taulbert. “They had to open their own businesses because they weren’t always allowed in white busi-

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

nesses. They were ready to build their field of dreams.” The merchants were making good money, and “all that money was exchanged over and over again in the area of Greenwood known as Black Wall Street,” says Taulbert. An example of such entrepreneurship was Simon Berry, who migrated to Tulsa about 1915. “He established several profitable transportation businesses at a time when Blacks were banned from using white taxi companies and, of course, train travel was segregated,” says Hill. “He likely was the largest employer in the Greenwood district circa 1921, and maybe even moving forward.” Some Greenwood pioneers came from Mississippi, says Taulbert, who grew up in the Delta. “That has always been my pride and joy, to know that many were from Mississippi,” he says. “Berry, who owned the only Black air charter service at the time, was from Grenada, Mississippi.” Such prosperity led to jealousy, Hill says, which was likely a major factor in the brutal Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. “The resentment toward Greenwood can be illustrated by the way in which white Tulsans, and especially the Tulsa Tribune, referred to it in a variety of disparaging ways that ran counter to how the Black community thought of itself,” says Hill. “For whites to talk about it so derisively, and particularly in ways that belittled it, helps us to understand the kind of animosity toward the community.”

Clockwise from above: This photographic reproduction shows a crowd looking north up Elgin Ave., watching the Mt. Zion Baptist Church burn. Photo courtesy the Department of Special Collections, McFarlin Library, The University of Tulsa It took white mobs less than 24 hours to destroy the Greenwood District. Photo courtesy the Library of Congress After the massacre, Black Tulsans were required to carry identification cards signed by their employers while in public. Without the cards, they would be arrested and detained. Photos courtesy the Tulsa Race Massacre Collection, Tulsa Historical Society & Museum The Tulsa Star, still in print today, championed the Black community in Tulsa and called out injustice before, during and after the massacre. Photo courtesy the Library of Congress

Fresh out of Oral Roberts University, Taulbert interviewed Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Opal Dargan. “She was not quite 10 years old when the massacre took place,” he says. “Opal observed with her own eyes the fear that her mother had, because her father was not at home when it started. Their neighborhood was on fire, so they had to join a group of people running for their lives.” When Dargan talked about the fire, Taulbert says: “You could almost feel the flames. Her persona changed as she told the story. It was like she was that little girl again, living in fear.” Taulbert – whose memoir, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored – was made into a movie in 1996, spent 15 years interviewing survivors or their children, but says he has yet to publish the manuscripts. Hannibal Johnson – an author and attorney who serves as local curator of Greenwood Rising, the history center scheduled to open in June – sets the tone in his writings from tulsa2021.org: “A chance encounter between two teenagers lit the fuse that set Greenwood District alight,” he writes. “The alleged assault on a white

girl, Sarah Page, by an African-American boy, Dick Rowland, triggered unprecedented civil unrest. Propelled by sensational reporting by The Tulsa Tribune, resentment over Black economic success, and a racially hostile climate in general, mob rule held sway.” Rowland was arrested on May 31, 1921, accused of accosting Page as they rode in an elevator in downtown Tulsa. A white mob threatened to lynch him, and Black residents vowed to protect him. “The groups exchanged words. Scuffles ensued. A gun discharged,” Johnson writes. “Soon, thousands of weapon-wielding white men, some of them deputized by local law enforcement, invaded the Greenwood District. In fewer than 24 hours, people, property, hopes and dreams vanished.” Historians believe as many as 300 people died. Hill says that a century after the tragedy, some of the story has been lost to the ages. “We do know that Sarah Page did not want to testify against Dick Rowland,” he says. “The case against him was dropped. They both kind of fade from history.” Tulsa Deputy Mayor Amy Brown says newspaper accounts, death certificates and funeral home records are being studied by committees appointed by the city for the 1921 Graves Investigation. Last October, an excavation revealed that at least 11 people were buried in coffins in a single grave shaft in a segregated area of Oaklawn Cemetery. Brown says the city hopes to obtain permission from the state for forensic anthropologists to examine the remains for signs of trauma and look for artifacts that would help determine if they were the victims of violent crime. A further step would be to obtain DNA samples from descendants of race massacre victims in an effort to identify the remains. City leaders “are coming to this from a place of reverence, a place of remorse, but also from a place of hope,” says Brown. “It’s helping us build better relationships.”

ans, includUnsuspecting Black Tuls nded up and rou e wer n, ldre chi ing center forced to the convention during the massacre. artment of Photo courtesy the Dep arlin Library, McF s, ion lect Col cial Spe a Tuls of sity The Univer

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Top to bottom: The damage incurred in less than 24 hours during the massacre was shockingly severe. Along with staggering property damage, historians estimate that as many as 300 people died.

Many native Oklahomans were never taught about the Tulsa Race Massacre, but every year, the story makes it into more classrooms. A professional development workshop has been held every year since 2018, says Hill. More than 100 educators enrolled in the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Educator Institute, which met weekly for 10 weeks starting in March and was held virtually this year due to the pandemic. Hill, who serves on the 2021 Race Massacre Centennial Commission, says his role there has been to support the educational initiatives. The teachers are not spoon-fed. “What we are trying to do is empower teachers to develop their own curriculums and their own lesson plans, that are age-appropriate and appropriate for the time they have in their classrooms,” he says. A course description on the tulsa2021.org website says “teachers will immerse themselves in the history of the massacre, examine their own biases, build relationships with a diverse cohort of teachers statewide and learn ways to create a culturally responsive classroom.” Tulsa was on its way to becoming the self-described oil capital of the world when the massacre happened, says Johnson. “The leaders of Tulsa sought to minimize [the news of the massacre],” he says. “This was not talked about for many, many years. Generations of folk who grew up here were not aware of it. It was an intentional omission.” In 2001, a report was issued by the Oklahoma Commission to study the ‘Tulsa Race Riot,’ as the massacre was then referred to. “That drew attention nationally and internationally to this history,” says Johnson. “Things began to change at that point.” The Oklahoma History Center and the Oklahoma State Department of Education are among the agencies that have resources, including lesson plans and teaching tools, on their websites. “Tulsa Public Schools is working on making sure it’s incorporated in kindergarten through twelfth grade,” says Johnson. “They are developing curriculums in the schools right now.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

The resiliency of the Greenwood community is evidenced in the desire many residents held to stay in the district and rebuild their homes and businesses. Many Greenwood residents were detained and taken to the fairgrounds during and after the massacre. Very little assistance was given during rebuilding, although the American Red Cross did oﬀer relief eﬀorts. Photos courtesy the Library of Congress Left: Karlos Hill, P.h.D., works on behalf of the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission to help empower teachers around Oklahoma to develop curriculums to properly teach students about the massacre. Photo courtesy Karlos Hill

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As the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre approached, Sen. Kevin Matthews was ready to listen. “I went to the Greenwood Cultural Center and asked what they needed,” says the District 11 state senator, who also lives in Greenwood. He was told that the cultural center needed some renovation work. That conversation, along with Matthews’ visit to the National African-American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, D.C., led to his 2017 senate bill granting initial funding and the formation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, of which he is the chair. Led by project coordinator Phil Armstrong, the commission has been responsible for the new history center, Greenwood Rising, as well as the observance that started a year before the actual centennial date and will culminate this month and next. The commission’s mission is to “leverage the rich history surrounding the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by facilitating actions, activities and events that commemorate and educate all citizens,” according to its website. Apart from Matthews and Armstrong, the group includes 24 commissioners, including Gov. Kevin Stitt and Mayor G.T. Bynum, as well as sub-committees in arts and culture; economic development; tourism; education; reconciliation; and marketing/public relations. Planning during a pandemic has not been easy, says Matthews, but organizers expect most, if not all, of the upcoming activities to be presented in a live format. Scheduled events include the dedication of historic Greenwood landmarks on May 22; the John Hope Franklin National Symposium on May 26-29; a Faith Still Standing Unity Day on May 30; and the centennial commemorative program with keynote speakers and candlelight vigil on May 31. An economic empowerment conference is planned for June 1; the Greenwood Rising dedication on June 2; a global online history lesson on the story of Greenwood on June 3; a Greenwood Film Festival on June 4; and a Black Wall Street Memorial Run on June 5. More information on centennial events is available at tulsa2021.org. Armstrong says his goal for the centennial observance is that people “will learn how vibrant and wonderful this community was back in the 1920s, and that we are still reaping the benefits of it today.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Left to right: Phil Armstrong, project coordinator for the Commission, has spearheaded the group’s commemorative events and the opening of Greenwood Rising. Photo courtesy Phil Armstrong Sen. Kevin Matthews, chair of the Commission, began his eﬀorts in 2017 with a senate bill that granted initial funding of the project. Photo by Stephanie Phillips Hannibal Johnson serves as the local curator of Greenwood Rising, the history center scheduled to open in June. Photo by Stephanie Phillips Author Clifton Taulbert, who penned Once Upon A Time When We Were Colored, regularly lectures about Oklahoma’s Black history. File Photo

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

This meshed photo showcases the cross streets of Greenwood and Archer today and in 1921. Current photo by Stephanie Phillips; historical photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

Venita Cooper owns Silhouette Sneakers and Art in Greenwood, which sells limited edition sneakers, streetwear and apparel. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

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Right: The Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, opened in January 2020 in the Greenwood District, is owned and operated by Guy Troupe. Photo courtesy Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Venita Cooper, owner of Silhouette Sneakers and Art, says her store on Greenwood Avenue “is a very integrated space.” That matters to Cooper, a former educator who says Tulsa remains a racially segregated city. “A lot of that is a product of the history,” she says. “There’s a lot of distrust in the community, especially in the older community.” But among young people, Cooper says, “it feels different. “It gives me a lot of pride, in a place that was once segregated by law, to be a space where all races want to engage.” Cooper’s boutique, which opened in November 2019, sells limited-edition sneakers, streetwear, vintage clothing and local apparel. The gallery features local artists. Cooper says one of her inspirations for starting the business was Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike. “What I’m learning is that this guy had no idea what he was doing,” she says. “He had an idea and just pursued it. I said to myself that I’m not going to hold back just because I don’t have this history of entrepreneurship in my family. This is how entrepreneurship happens.”

Guy Troupe, owner of the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, opened his coffee shop in Greenwood on Jan. 1, 2020. “My great-aunt had a presence there, and I felt like it was important to pay homage to my family heritage on Greenwood,” he says. His great-aunt, Lucille Troupe, ran C.J. Walker’s beauty franchises in Tulsa, Okmulgee and Muscogee. Madam C.J. Walker was the first Black woman millionaire in the United States, who made her fortune by creating a line of hair care products for Black women. Troupe says his great-aunt was principal of a school for several years before opening a beauty college and storefront in Greenwood in the 1940s. “I spent a fair amount of time with her; she died when I was a freshman in college,” he says. Troupe had no ancestors living in Greenwood at the time of the massacre, but he knew about it through his family. He says he was not particularly interested in the story as a child, but was respectful to the elders who told him about the proud history of Greenwood being rebuilt. “What my family taught me was that this was a thriving community, and my great-aunt was one of many entrepreneurs and sort of bootstrap people, and that was a way of life we needed to embrace – that you can thrive under most any conditions if you work hard and you align with your people,” he says.

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These illustrations depict what the final product of the Greenwood Rising museum will look like on its opening day on June 2. Renderings courtesy Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission

A holographic barbershop will be one of the highlights of Greenwood Rising, says Johnson, the local curator of the narrative history center scheduled to open in June in conjunction with the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. The exhibit will feature barbers engaging with one another and the audience and talking about community icons. “It’s a one-of-a-kind exhibit,” says Johnson. “We are working with an exhibit design firm, Local Projects, which did the 9/11 Memorial Museum and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. The exhibits will be world-class.” The state-of-the-art history center in the

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

heart of the Greenwood District will honor the legacy of Black Wall Street before and after the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre by taking visitors through four galleries. “When people enter, they will see a film with an overview of what’s to come,” says Johnson. “That’s about three minutes long.” The first gallery, Greenwood Spirit, will describe why the Black community came to Tulsa, the struggles they faced and how they built a vibrant community. Systems of Anti-Blackness, the second gallery, will focus on the racism of the early 20th century and tell the story of the massacre. The third gallery, Changing Fortunes, will depict the ups

and downs of Greenwood after the devastation through the modern era. Journey to Reconciliation, the final gallery, will allow visitors “to leverage the experience,” says Johnson. “They will have the opportunity to talk about lessons learned, and to talk about current challenges to race today. There will be prompts to encourage folks to engage around current events that define race, and an opportunity for individuals to make a statement of commitment.” Armstrong says general admission will be $12 for adults and $8 for students. He says Greenwood Rising is still on target for a June 2 dedication.

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THEN AND NOW: The Greenwood District suﬀered great destruction during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, but today, the area is thriving. Current photos by Stephanie Phillips; historical photos courtesy the University of Tulsa

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Events are subject to change. Visit tulsa2021. org/events for the most current information. May 1: Tulsa Opera Production – A musical production at the Tulsa PAC, spotlighting music by living Black composers, sung by Black opera artists May 23: Certified Piedmontese IRONMAN Tulsa, North American Championship May 25-31: 2021 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship – In partnership with the 1921 TRMCC, hosted at Southern Hills Country Club May 26-29: John Hope Franklin National Symposium – The twelfth annual Reconciliation in America National Symposium, The Future of Tulsa’s Past: The Centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre and Beyond

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

May 28: Dedication of historic landmarks – The official recognition of historically significant locations in historic Greenwood, including the dedication to the Pathway of Hope walking path May 31: Remember + Rise Commemorative Program – Nationally-televised event to commemorate the centennial with key speakers, musicians and special guests May 31: Candlelight vigil – A solemn ceremony commemorating the start of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre June 1: Economic Empowerment Day – An interactive conference focused on closing the racial wealth gap June 2: Greenwood Rising dedication – Oﬀicial unveiling of Greenwood Rising: The Black Wall Street History Center

June 3: National Day of Learning – A global online history lesson on the story of Greenwood June 4: Tim Reid’s Greenwood Film Series – A multi-theater event hosted by Tim Reid and Clifton Taulbert June 5: Black Wall Street Memorial Run – A 5- or 10k run in honor of the oﬀicial centennial commemoration June 5: Dreamland Again – A multi-genre musical experience promoting remembrance with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, Dr. View and SymDesign June 18: BWS100 cycling event – A 15, 30 and 100k cycling event promoting health in the Black community, hosted by BWS100 and the Bike Club Tulsa June 19: Juneteenth – Event hosted by the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce

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Empowering Women Oklahoma By Kimberly Burk

Groups that Inspire Oklahoma State University hosts the Women’s Business Leadership Conference annually. Several female business experts take the stage, including Jill Castilla, CEO of Citizens Bank Edmond. Photo courtesy OSU Spears School of Business

Certain inequities are glaring for Oklahoma women, and nonprofits across the state are tackling the problems by providing direct services and fighting for better policies. “Criminal justice reform is one of our big ones,” says Chelsey Branham, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition. “Oklahoma has the highest incarceration rate for women in the world. Nearly 80% are non-violent offenders, convicted of low-level crimes. The ripple effects of the high incarceration rate are astronomical.” Healthcare is another priority. “Health outcomes are really awful for women, and especially women of color,” says Branham. The coalition focuses on government policy and

provides education and leadership training, says Branham, a former state legislator. “We are the hub for all those other organizations that do the direct services,” such as the YWCA, drug courts and domestic violence shelters, she says. YWCA Tulsa works “to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, freedom, dignity and justice for all,” according to its mission statement. “We focus on eliminating barriers for and investing in the success of women, girls and people of color.” The YWCA serves immigrants and refugees with language classes, employment programs and social service case management. It offers fitness and aquatics programs and partners with other community organizations to provide health screenings and health education. Oklahoma Project Woman provides free breast MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

healthcare for women with no health insurance and limited financial resources. It’s a collaborative effort that links multiple institutions, so that patients can move seamlessly through the program for a clinical breast exam, mammography and, if necessary, a diagnostic procedure and surgery. The Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women creates mentoring opportunities for Oklahoma women by serving female business owners from Afghanistan and Rwanda, says founder and CEO Terry Neese. “We have graduated about 850 women entrepreneurs through our program,” she

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

says. “They have created over 16,000 jobs. I started my own business and I know what the difficulties are, and I know how to get around them. I felt that working with these women would help build economic stability in their countries, and help build an economic road to peace.” Nearly 90 women have been paired with students who own similar businesses and come to the United States for training. “Most of the women who invite them to their homes want to continue to have dialogue with them,” says Neese. “They continue to mentor them for months and for years.” Jan Largent, state president of the

League of Women Voters, says the nonpartisan organization works to make it easier for women and all Oklahomans to have access to the polls and to make informed decisions. “Our policies are progressive,” says Largent. “We do not support candidates, we support social justice issues. Our next goal is to be more inclusive. We want to work on equal voting rights, regardless of gender, gender identity, economic status, religion or ethnicity.” Members of the league “learn about how government works at the city, state and federal level,” says Largent. “That knowledge empowers you to act.”

Other Oklahoma organizations that serve and empower women include:

STILL SHE RISES oﬀers legal services to indigent moth-

ers in north Tulsa, representing them in parent defense and criminal, eviction and expungement cases. Nearly two-thirds of women in prison are mothers, and a high percentage have a history of sexual or physical abuse. Still She Rises works to address the issues that underlie women’s incarceration and break the cycle of poverty and instability often associated with criminal convictions.

THE WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER in Norman helps victims of domestic and sexual violence with its shelter, rape crisis center and crisis telephone lines. All services are free.

WOMEN HELPING OTHER WOMEN supports

women’s shelters and women in poverty and provides mentoring to girls and young women. It oﬀers networking mixers and professional development workshops. The organization believes a faith-based approach is the most successful method of overcoming life’s challenges.

THE OKLAHOMA WOMEN VETERANS ORGANIZATION helps veterans stay informed about changes in benefits and how to access them. It provides opportunities for female veterans to associate with one another and provides direct assistance where needed.

THE OKLAHOMA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME honors women

who are pioneers in their fields or in projects that benefit the state; who are role models to other Oklahoma women; who are unsung heroes; who have championed other females or women’s issues; and have served as public policy advocates. The OWHOF is sponsored by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, which has a mission of improving the quality of life for women, children and families.

Left: Women Helping Other Women aims to empower women to improve their economic status through education, employment and entrepreneurship. Photo courtesy WHOW Immediate left: Several universities around Oklahoma oﬀer conferences and leadership programs aimed at helping young females succeed in the business sector. Photo courtesy OSU Spears School of Business

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

together women who desire to strengthen and enhance the community through philanthropy and networking.

Women in Education

Leadership Programs

Upwards of 400 women and girls gather every spring for the Oklahoma State University Women’s Business Leadership Conference, and many are repeat visitors. “Some women come year after year. They only get to see their friends this one time a year,” says Kelle Scott, the conference’s program manager. Scott works for the Center for Executive and Professional Development in the Spears School of Business, which offers more than 200 such programs. She said the women’s leadership conference is a favorite. “We learn so much,” she says. “It’s nice to be with a group of people who understand each other.” This year’s conference was virtual due to the pandemic, and was the 30th one-day session offered in partnership with the Kerr Foundation and the Oklahoma International Women’s forum. Speakers addressed topics ranging from working one’s way up the corporate ladder to thriving in a male-dominated career field. Women also shared personal stories, and, in one case, bringing the audience to tears. Lou Kerr, president of the Kerr Foundation, travels widely in search of speakers she thinks will benefit Oklahoma women, says Scott. As many as 80 high school students attend the conferences. This is the 11th year for Oklahoma City University’s Women in Leadership Conference, designed to provide the next generation of senior-level leaders the chance to connect with high-level business leaders

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

on critical topics. Participants have heard from Fortune 500 company leaders on topics such as personal branding, reinventing oneself and entrepreneurship. The N.E.W. (National Education for Women’s) Leadership program at the University of Oklahoma empowers undergraduate women to participate in politics and public service by connecting them to policy makers and community activists during a five-day summer program. The United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Leadership Society brings

The contributions that women bring to the education sector are major, says Shirley Mixon, state chair for Oklahoma Women in Higher Education. “Women are climbing the ladder higher and higher,” she says. “They are not only doing it for themselves, but they are bringing other women along.” Evidence of that is the recent naming of two university presidents, Mixon says: Dr. Kayse Shrum at the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, and Diana Lovell at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Other women in prominent leadership positions include Martha Burger, president of Oklahoma City University; Leigh Goodson, president of Tulsa Community College; Deborah Gist, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools; Tracy Skinner, assistant superintendent for Oklahoma City Public Schools; and Joy Hofmeister, state superintendent of public instruction, an elected position. Mixon, who directs the interdisciplinary studies program at East Central University, says she loves helping students reach their goals of graduating and going on to graduate school or professional careers. And she especially loves it when they return to thank her.

The mission of Oklahoma Women in Higher Education “is to assist women in Oklahoma higher education, academic or administrative, to climb higher,” says Mixon. The organization has a job shadow program and holds a spring luncheon and a fall conference that provide networking opportunities.

The Sports Sector

Tulsa Regional Tourism, housed at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, includes the Tulsa Sports Commission, a sports sales and marketing organization, says Ray Hoyt, its president. They are currently working to attract semipro women’s sporting events. The city is also home to the all-new USA BMX headquarters, which will host major BMX events annually. Many BMX events feature female semi-pro athletes. “We hope to continue to grow our base of events where we really shine, as well as to expand into more sports like cheer and dance,” says Hoyt. He says that historically, a single women’s semi-pro sporting event has generated anywhere from $30,000 to $2.8 million in economic impact for Tulsa.

The Slow Burn of Benevolent Sexism

When a man uses rough language during a meeting, then apologizes only to the one woman seated at the conference table, he’s engaging in “benevolent sexism,” also known as subtle or friendly sexism. Such a remark implies the female coworker is delicate and in need of special protection, says Barnard College president Sian Beilock, writing for Forbes. Usually meant to sound supportive, thus the use of the term “friendly,” this form of sexism maintains gender inequality by idealizing subordinate qualities in women such as neatness or nurturing, says psychotherapist Roberta Satow in an article

for Psychology Today. “By focusing on qualities that hold less social power and capital, benevolent sexism affords men the means of seeming to offer support to women, while still maintaining traditional gender hierarchies,” says Satow. Beilock adds: “By causing women to worry about their rightful place in the office hierarchy, benevolent sexism creates a slow burn.” Beilock says women should give themselves permission to be offended and not ignore or suppress their feelings. “Explain why you were troubled by the comment and how it reinforces harmful gender stereotypes,” she says.

Above left: The United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Women’s Leadership Society hosts Cocktails and Conversations events to discuss current happenings. Photo courtesy United Way of Central Oklahoma Left: The Institute for the Economic Empowerment of Women creates mentoring opportunities for Oklahoma women by serving female business owners from Afghanistan and Rwanda. Photo courtesy IFTEEOW Right: Oklahoma Women’s Coalition focuses on everything from healthcare to criminal justice reform, government policy and leadership training. Photo courtesy OWC

MAY 2021| WWW.OKMAG.COM

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Women in Business

HEIDI MCMURRAY REALTOR, KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY PREFERRED Heidi McMurray, a real estate industry leader, has been involved in the realty business her entire life. Coming from an enterprising family of successful general contractors, McMurray’s background in construction directly impacts her personal growth and broad knowledge of the industry. McMurray, mother to six children, had planned to remain a stay-athome mom. But unexpected life shifts presented growing needs for her large family as she became a single parent. She took charge of her own future, and that of her family’s, with determined resolve to become a leader in today’s fast-paced market and has been an Oklahoma Realtor since 1991. Thirty years later, McMurray is a pioneer in her trade. Closing over $20 million in property sales for 2020, she has the expertise and experience

to earn the confidence of her valued clients, sellers and buyers alike. Her tenacious commitment to client values is what truly sets her apart. Heidi’s ability to resolve challenges puts her clients at ease through the stress that often accompanies the sales process. McMurray possesses the behind-the-scenes toughness that results in a streamlined transaction, so clients can focus on the many tasks required to make their sale successful. Negotiating client goals, providing executive concierge service and making dreams come true are cause for a winning day at the closing table. A luxury agent, McMurray consistently achieves market leader status in Oklahoma. She is a constant Top Agent in property sold, often outproducing entire realty teams. Her high ranking within Tulsa’s Top 100 Realtors as a solo agent,

alongside consistent placement as a Top 1,000 KW Agent for the U.S., proves she is here to stay as a trusted resource, even through tumultuous economic seasons. With a bachelor’s degree in business from ORU and executive experience launching a national advertising franchise, McMurray knows what it takes to negotiate successfully and provide innovative strategies to procure buyers for her listed properties. To McMurray, family is everything, and she sincerely enjoys helping others find the perfect place to call home. Her large family directly and positively impacts her real estate expertise, and she believes forging relationships with her clients is imperative to success. With McMurray, you may begin as partners in real estate, but her goal is to end as friends.

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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

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Women in Business

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look and feel their absolute best. Their goal is simple; to improve the lives of the patients they serve through many of their various services, such as weight loss, Botox and dermal fillers, permanent makeup, hormone replacement therapy, vaginal rejuvenation, laser therapy, Coolsculpting, just to name a few BA Med Spa is proud to continue to grow their innovative ways to enhance patient experience. As of 2021 patients can now shop all products and services conveniently

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MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Women in Business JAMIE MILLER OWNER, J. MILLER LAW FIRM, PLLC Jamie Miller is a business and estate planning attorney in Tulsa but works with clients throughout Oklahoma. J. Miller Law Firm is a boutique law firm founded on the idea that the attorney-client relationship is built on trust, integrity, and partnership. The firm’s values are focused on providing affordable legal services, preventing legal issues, using dispute resolution to resolve cases where appropriate, strong community relationships, and communication with clients to keep them informed and valued partners. Jamie is on the executive board of the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce, serves as a mentor for SCORE, and is a frequent presenter.

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Exploring the Cinematic Sphere By Drew Joseph Allen

The landscape of film has shifted considerably in the last year. In our movie spotlight, we explore the impact of COVID-19 on independently owned theaters, plus hypothesize about the future of film and the effects of streaming services. Enjoy some tips about getting extra work in Oklahoma and learn some must-know jargon for your foray onto a movie set. MAY 2021| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Small theaters like Tulsa’s Circle Cinema have worked hard to stay afloat amidst the pandemic. Photo by Victor Mish

THE PANDEMIC’S EFFECT ON SMALL THEATERS COVID-19 has been raging since March of 2020, and the entertainment business as a whole took a large hit. Big chain movie theaters like AMC and Cinemark closed their doors temporarily, but it was the

smaller venues that perhaps struggled the hardest. Circle Cinema and Rodeo Cinema, two independent theaters out of Tulsa and OKC respectively, thought outside the box to curb the blow. “We offered curbside popcorn and concession orders for people to enjoy while they watched at home,” says Ryan

ON SET LINGO/JARGON

If you ever find yourself on a set, people might be shouting words and phrases that make no sense to the untrained ear. Here’s a quick rundown of what some of those mean: Hot Set – A set that is currently in use or needs to remain exactly the way it is for future shots.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Thomas, communications manager at Circle. “We also rented out our marquee for personalized messages. The response was so great that we’ve continued the program even after re-opening.” To keep film alive, Rodeo got creative. Leadership installed an organ for a new silent film series, as well as a projector for lobby shows. “We later started doing midnight movies,” says Sean Peel, Rodeo’s theater manager. “At the beginning, our attendance was obviously lower than it had ever been,” he says, but this allowed them “much more personal, one-one interaction” with those who did come in. Moving forward, both theaters have big plans to keep the excitement alive. Rodeo will expand to a second location in downtown OKC on Film Row, and they hope to bring back live music and add stage productions. Circle will return Blocking – Working out the details of an actor’s movement in relation to the camera. Call Sheet – A list of crew/actors that informs each of when and where they should report for a particular day of filming. Magic Hour – A period of daytime shortly after sunrise or right before sunset during which the brightness of the sky produces beautiful imagery.

JOBS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

the popular outdoor screenings for “drive-in style shows and open air seating,” according to Thomas. Regardless of hardships, Peel summarizes it best: “Rodeo Cinema plans to be around for a long time to come!”

THE FUTURE OF FILM Last year, theatrical releases took a massive backseat. Numerous movies were shown online only, if at all, and streaming content was king. The way people consumed media shifted to fit the new normal. “Historically, entertainment has been what most humans turn to for comfort during any crisis, so the pandemic was no different,” says Tava Sofsky, director of the Oklahoma Film and Music Office. A variety of television shows and made-for-online-consumption films have been released over the past year, and there are no signs this trend will stop anytime soon. So what does this mean for movie theaters? Even heavy hitters like the aforementioned AMC and Cinemark took big losses. Are they doomed to lose even more of their audience to the home theater? “There is always going to be debate about this, but how could you not love both?” asks Sofsky. As recently seen with the theatrical release of Godzilla vs. Kong, which, as of this writing, has made over $350 million dollars worldwide, people are eager to return to theaters. “Walking into a beautiful theater with surround sound and experiencing a movie with fans and community is something you can’t replace,” says Sofsky. “Where do we go from here? I think the canvas is blank and the skies are limitless.”

THE DETAILS OF EXTRA WORK For a variety of reasons, more and more films are coming to shoot in Oklahoma. Minari, the Oscar nominated film starring Steven Yeun, was made here in 2019. In 2020, the biopic Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid, filmed in Guthrie. This year, both Killers of the Flower Moon (directed by Martin Scorsese) and Reservation Dogs (a TV show created by Taika Waititi and Oklahoman Sterlin Harjo) are being made in the state. These movies and shows are always looking for extras and stand-ins, but a lot of people have no idea how to get involved. Generally speaking, the casting department sends out a list of what they need to local casting agencies, which then send emails out to potential actors. If you want to get involved and have your five minutes of quasi-fame, follow Freihofer Casting or other local casting agencies. They have email blasts you can subscribe to and they give detailed instructions on what to send. You can also follow them on social media, where they’ll give out the same particulars. For extra roles, they usually don’t require a resume or professional headshot, but if you’re looking at auditioning for named characters with lines, you might consider putting both of those on your to-do list.

A film set has a tremendous amount of moving parts, but we’ll outline a few main players. Obviously, the director runs the show, tells actors what he or she wants from their performances, and generally has final say on issues. The writer(s) aren’t usually on set, but without the script, the film wouldn’t be happening. So, although their contribution is over before filming begins, their value is unmatched. Producers do pre-production planning. They’re involved with locations, finances and finding the script/director/ crew members, among many other duties. Finally, the editor is the

one who puts all the filmed shots together in a coherent way to form the final product. Finding a rhythm that works in tandem with the story is paramount to a successful film.

FILM PRODUCTION There are quite a few production companies right here in Oklahoma, so if you need some professional work done, the options are plentiful. Retrospec Films, located in Broken Arrow, has a background in training videos, music videos and narrative films. Video405, located off Film Row in OKC, has done extensive work in commercials for cooperate, non-profit and online media. 1577 Productions, also out of OKC, has done commercial work mixed with a slew of documentary films. Finally, Blue House Media, located in Tulsa, does commercials as well as providing audio services for jingles, musical artists and radio.

Rodeo Cinema in Oklahoma City installed an organ in the theater to play during silent movie nights. Photo courtesy Rodeo Cinema

MAY 2021| WWW.OKMAG.COM

– one thing most Oklahomans know and love. In our annual feature, we discuss everything from grilling safety to the perfect side dish pairings, whether that’s okra, potato salad, cornbread or baked beans. We also take a look at competition culture around the state and the history of this delicious culinary art form, plus offer you a helpful listing of BBQ restaurants to visit.

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Photo courtesy Rib Crib

Barbecue

By Tracy LeGrand

Photo courtesy Oklahoma Joe’s

Barbecue side dishes run the gamut of deliciousness, from cornbread to pasta salad, corn on the cob and fried okra. In the case of Tulsa’s Albert G’s BarB-Q – which boasts 29 years serving savories – owner Chuck Gawey says that they seldom run out of sides during lunch and dinner service ... but when it happens, it tends to be macaroni and cheese. In addition to original recipe favorites like coleslaw and potato salad, his three locations serve his family recipe tabbouleh, plus French fries, sweet potato fries and potato chips seasoned with house rub mix. Brent Swadley, owner of Swadley’s Bar-B-Q in OKC, oﬀers a unique twist on one beloved, tried-and-true side. “Growing up smoking barbecue with my grandparents, I learned that we would always have leftover brisket and sausage from the trim, and adding that to my grandma’s baked beans became my inspiration for our recipe today,” he says. “Also, our crispy okra is by far our No. 1 side dish. It’s lightly breaded, extra crispy, and people love it.”

Photo courtesy Albert G’s

The Perfect Pairings

Competition Culture

Barbecue competitions typically run May through September around the region, and master champion Donny Teel, a veteran of 700 competitions who owns his own BBQ food truck in Sperry, says that the Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctions the most competitions in the nation. For participants, says Teel, “there’s competition, but really it’s like a family that you pick. As long as you don’t ask for their rib rub, they’ll loan you about anything. Everyone is rooting for everyone. Of course you’re glad to hear your name called, but you’re happy to congratulate your friends.” Having served as a judge himself, Teel says the process involves a day of training with a sanctioning body like the KCBS. Entrees are entered in a box and judged on a point system of appearance, tenderness and, with double points, taste. Smoked chicken is checked for pinkness; pork can be presented several diﬀerent ways; and brisket should pull apart “pretty easily,” says Teel, but if it just falls apart, it’s over-cooked. “Judging is a good way to get into contests, and gives you an idea of what you do and don’t want to do. I’ve judged – and been lucky enough to win or place second – at the big ones: the Jack Daniels World Barbecue Championship and the American Royal World Series, and that one’s about 600 competitors. In Oklahoma, the largest competitions are in Bixby, Shawnee and Enid.” MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

The Allure of Meat Substitutes

Meat substitutes and Impossible meats produce mixed reactions from barbecue enthusiasts; some look askance while for others, it’s a way of life, with a focus on vegetables and non-meat proteins. “While we are barbecue traditionalists with our meats, we have certainly kept our eye on these changing culinary trends including Impossible meats,” says Tena Wooldridge with Billy Sim’s BBQ. “In 2020, impossible meats burst on the mainstream culinary scene and have become prolific enough to be featured in many fast-food menus. While we have not tasted one as of yet that gives that rich, meaty barbecue flavor that would make it a perfect fit on our menu, we always listen to our valued guests and are open to meat substitutions when there is enough interest.”

Photo courtesy Swadley’s

Oklahoma-Style

Staying Safe

“There are the ‘big four’ barbecue types,” says Wooldridge. “Carolina-style, Texas-style, Memphis-style and, of course, Kansas City-style. We are asked about which style of barbecue we serve at our restaurant, and we always answer confidently: ‘Oklahoma-style.’ Oklahomans have a unique way of combining the best of each of the big four, and making it something that stands as a style of barbecue all on its own.” In OKC, Swadley agrees that Oklahoma barbecue takes a bit from each style to create something truly special. His personal experience curating the menu at Swadley’s is proof of that. “Growing up in Texas ... Texas-style barbecue became familiar to me,” he says. “As I got older, my family and I wanted to learn more about other styles like Kansas City barbecue and Memphis barbecue, so we took a little road trip to learn more about both. We loved the Kansas Citystyle and how diﬀerent it was from Texas, but we love the Texas-style because it’s so smoky and has a lot of bark on it. It was then we decided we wanted to be more of the melting pot of barbecue styles, and I think we’ve really started to create our niche for barbecue in Oklahoma.”

There’s nothing quite like firing up that backyard grill ... as long as things go safely. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2014-2018, fire departments went to an annual average of 8,900 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues per year. So, when you begin grilling season, stay safe. Teel has seen some accidents and offers this advice: “If you’re using propane – whether to cook or to start your fires – be sure it’s very well ventilated. I saw a guy get burned when his vents weren’t right and the propane filled his cooking chamber, causing a flash fire.” Other tips are to keep your grilling surface clean and on a stable surface, and never wear loose clothing or flammable fabrics. The NFPA offers the following: • Never leave your grill unattended • Make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it • Keep children at least three feet away from the grill • If using charcoal, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container And when it comes to succeeding at the grill, Swadley says: “Smoking great barbecue is not about your equipment as much as it is about learning to manipulate the equipment you have and always buying the best cut of meat available,” he says. “It makes all the difference.”

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

The Future of Barbecue

Photo courtesy Billy Sim’s

The art of barbecue has been around for centuries, but new tools and methods are discovered every year. Gawey of Albert G’s is looking into ‘the biggest and baddest’ new smokers for his new location in Tulsa Hills, and Teel is beguiled by the many new smart applications to setting timers, adjusting heat and more. “There are these thermometers you put in meat; like chef alarms, they go off at predetermined temperatures,” says Teel. “There are also these little gadgets that blow air into your firebox – they work off temperature and kick off when its time to adjust the temperature. I see more and more guys controlling their temperatures with their computers via smart apps.”

Where to Nosh Tulsa

Albert G’s Bar-B-Q albertgs.com 918-747-4799 (Harvard) 918-728-3650 (Downtown)

Bayou Boyz BBQ facebook.com/bayouboyzbbq 918-528-5624

Billy Ray’s BBQ

billyraysbbq.com 918-445-0972 (Tulsa) 918-286-8585 (Broken Arrow)

Billy Sims BBQ

billysimsbbq.com Multiple locations statewide

Buffalo’s Barbecue buﬀalosbbq.com 918-288-6200

BurnCo Barbeque burnbbq.com 918-528-6816 (Jenks) 918-574-2777 (Tulsa)

Christy’s BBQ christysbbq.com 918-835-9922

Daddy B’s BBQ daddybsbbq.com 918-482-1066 (Haskell) 918-304-2070 (Okmulgee)

Franklin’s Pork and Barrel

facebook.com/franklinsonmain 918-286-6770

Knotty Pig BBQ, Burger & Chili House facebook.com/KnottyPig 918-258-0005

Leon’s Smoke Shack BBQ leonssmokeshack.com (918) 798-7907

Mac’s BBQ macsbbqok.com 918-396-4165

Tulsa Brisket Company tulsabrisketcompany.com 918-576-8111

OKC

Jack’s Bar-B-Q jacksbbqok.com 405-605-7790

Jo-Bawb’s BBQ jo-bawbsbbq.com 405-479-0187

Leo’s BBQ

Monty’s BBQ

Back Door Barbecue

leosbbqokc.com 405-424-5367

Oklahoma Joe’s Barbecue and Catering

Bedlam Bar-B-Q

pappysbbq.com 405-290-7551

facebook.com/montys1bbq 539-664-4099 okjoes.com Multiple locations in Tulsa metro

Oklahoma Style Bar-B-Que

facebook.com/oklahomastylebbq 918-835-7077

Rib Crib

ribcrib.com Multiple locations statewide

Rubicon

rubiconrestauranttulsa.com 918-398-0306

Smoke on 66 Barbeque smoke-on-66-bbq.ueniweb.com 918-350-5844

Smokies Hickory House BBQ smokieshickoryhouse.com 918-357-1113

Stone Mill Barbecue and Steakhouse stonemillbbq.com 918-258-4227

Stutts House of Barbecue

facebook.com/pages/Stutts-House-Of-BarB-Q/159794504058563 918-428-2355

backdoorbarbecue.com 405-525-7427 bedlambarbq.com 405-528-7427

Big O’s Pork and Dreams porkanddreams.com 405-657-2235

Billy Sims BBQ

billysimsbbq.com Multiple locations statewide

Blake’s Barbecue blakesbarbecue.com 405-735-1313

Pappy’s BBQ Ray’s Smokehouse BBQ raysbbqok.com 405-237-3840

Rib Crib

ribcrib.com Multiple locations statewide

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q rudysbbq.com 405-307-0552 (Norman) 405-254-4712 (OKC)

Blu’s BBQ and Burgers

Spencer’s Smokehouse and Barbecue

Clark Crew BBQ

Steve’s Rib

facebook.com/blusbbq 405-602-2587 clarkcrewbbq.com 405-724-8888

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit dickeys.com 405-242-4046

Earl’s Rib Palace

earlsribpalace.com Multiple locations in OKC metro

Iron Star Urban Barbeque ironstarokc.com 405-524-5925

spencersbbqokc.com 405-769-8373

stevesrib.com 405-340-7427 (Edmond) 405-285-7588 (Fox Lake)

Swadley’s World Famous Bar-B-Q swadleys.com Multiple locations statewide

Texlahoma BBQ texlahomabbq.com 405-513-7631

Van’s Pig Stands pigstands.com Multiple locations statewide

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

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TASTE

F O O D , D R I N K A N D OT H E R P L E A S U R E S

A TRIBUTE TO WILLIE AND JUNE

Award-winning chef Kevin Nashan’s new restaurant, La Tertulia, pays homage to his grandparents and to New Mexican cuisine.

“A

The rainbow trout is cooked on a wood-fired grill and served with crispy potatoes and pinto beans. Photo by Stephanie Phillips

fter football practice, I remember running to the restaurant, grabbing a sopapilla, ripping it open and stuffing it full of meat and sauce. Then I’d eat it like a sandwich. I’d do it all the time; that was my favorite snack ever,” says chef Kevin Nashan. Many years later, he’d win a James Beard award, run a stable of fabulous restaurants and become known nationwide. But he was just 14 then. The restaurant was in Santa Fe, New Mexico, run by Kevin’s grandparents Willie and June Ortiz. It was named La Tertulia. “I remember running from room to room in that old place. It was a former convent,” says Nashan. “I

knew it as a fun, amazing restaurant my grandparents ran, but I didn’t know any different. It wasn’t until after St. Louis University, while a student at the Culinary Institute of America, that I had a sort of ‘aha!’ moment and realized just how special that restaurant, and my grandparents, really were.” Perhaps the story of La Tertulia begins in late 1582, when Antonio de Espejo, an adventurer who came from Spain, decided to explore the region above his ranch in the far north of Mexico. After months of travel, he reached Native American towns not far from Santa Fe with thousands of inhabitants. These Pueblo Indians welcomed the

travelers with locally harvested corn, beans and squash. To Espejo, the food was a bit bland – and his officers had just the thing to spice it up: long chile peppers and some seeds that the locals could plant on their own, beginning the four centuries-long evolution of New Mexican cuisine. New Mexico, Nashan says, is “its own island. It draws inspiration from all sorts of different places.” Inspiration brought by Pueblo native people, Spanish ranchers, Navajos and Apaches, and cowboys, too. Maybe, instead, the story of La Tertulia begins in May 1947, when a New Mexico resident visiting Nashville offered to take a young

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

TA S T E | FIR S T BI T E

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

on!” she says. Those chiles come fresh from Hatch, New Mexico, and nearby Velarde, a tiny village whose mile-high altitude makes the chiles even sweeter. She used to live in Farmington, New Mexico, and she can taste the difference. (“It’s that rich and sandy soil,” supplies Nashan.) “And the red’s amazing!” the diner says. “This is what we eat in New Mexico every day, and I’ve never found anything like it in Oklahoma.” Near that lively woman is the host stand – a time-worn wood chest, its bright, painted flowers glistening. It was bought in Santa Fe. Nashan took Sasha Malinich of Casco – a huge, multinational design firm – to tour the Santa Fe region. Malinich, who is accustomed to working with celebrity chefs to design their restaurants, bought furnishings that, though not necessarily from Santa Fe, convey the warmth, passion, simplicity and hard work that define the city’s ethos. And not far from that, you can see Brian Green working away with a smile on his face. “He’s my right hand,” says Nashan of his chef de cuisine. “He runs this place when I’m not around.” “I saw that chicken you ordered, and I’m getting it too!” says a guy at a nearby table. He made the right choice about the chicken. It comes tender, juicy, bursting with flavor, gloriously robed in a red between crimson and russet. That sauce’s rich complex flavor is a little taste of heaven. BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Top to bottom: The deluxe combination plate includes carne adovada, plus an enchilada, tamale and taco with posole, rice and pinto beans. Wash it down with some house sangria. The tostada is created with blue corn tortillas and includes white bean escabeche, braised beef and pickled jalapeno. Photos by Stephanie Phillips

KITCHEN 324 One of the most welcome shifts toward normalcy since COVID-19 vaccines rolled out has been the return of dining out. One of the things I missed most was brunch. Sure, I can make it at home, but there’s something so enjoyable about a lazy Sunday morning letting someone else do the cooking and clean-up. Kitchen No. 324, from A Good Egg Dining Group, is a longtime downtown favorite, and chef de cuisine Jason Chandler’s current menu does not disappoint. Seasonal ingredients regularly make their way onto the rotating menu. For me, brunch always begins with a Prairie Mary, 324’s house-made yellow tomato Mary mix and Oklahoma-made Prairie Wolf vodka. My favorites on the current menu include the poached pear salad with dried figs, cranberries, blue cheese, pecans, prosciutto and a white balsamic vinaigrette, as well as the joint’s takes on classics like a Monte Cristo and their “really fancy” grilled cheese sandwich. Roasted sweet potatoes with bacon, goat cheese and burnt honey are a perfect sharable side. As always, a beautiful selection of house-made pastries and coffees are available to enjoy while you dine in or take to-go. At the time of my most recent visit, plexiglass dividers still separate each booth space, and patio dining is available. Reservations are not required but recommended, particularly on weekends. For those not yet ready to dine in, pickup and curbside options are available. Kitchen No. 324 is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with breakfast served all day. 324 N. Robinson Ave., OKC; kitchen324.com. AMANDA JANE SIMCOE

Photo courtesy Choate House

Tennessee lady named June on an excursion to Albuquerque. She agreed, provided he find someone to accompany them. The chaperone he found was a handsome veteran from Santa Fe named Willie Ortiz. But perhaps the best place to begin is in December 1972, when Willie and June Ortiz, now long married with grandchildren, opened a restaurant in Santa Fe named La Tertulia – a name Nashan now uses for his own slice of Santa Fe. “My dream for my Tertulia is to pay homage to my grandparents and their restaurant,” says Nashan. “I started my culinary journey with them and I want to end it with them. That doesn’t mean that my recipes are simply copies of theirs. I take their techniques as foundation, and then make it my own.” Sometimes he simply changes the technique to enhance the flavor. Take the salsa; it used to be just the heart of the chile mixed with water and garlic. But now they make it con pellejo, with some of the peel added, to bring out the flavor of those Chimayo peppers. Equally often, Nashan creates entirely new entrees which spring from his love and knowledge of his grandparents’ food. And then there’s the molino. Yes, it’s a newfangled electric machine, but it uses a pile of smooth basalt volcanic rock (the kind of stone traditionally used in Old Mexico) to grind the masa. The basalt kneads and mashes the corn instead of simply chopping it, making the flavor more powerful. Back in the dining room, tables are filling up. There’s an exuberant young couple nearby. “The green chile is spot

TA S T E | LO C AL F L AVOR

TA S T E | CH EF CHAT

A LITTLE BIT OF HOPE

At a farm in Stroud, Hope Egan serves up fresh and mouthwatering meals during her Red Thistle dinners.

n 2015, when chef Hope Egan decided to open her own fullservice catering company in a small midtown-Tulsa kitchen, her life looked a lot different than it does today. Since then, Egan, a 30-year veteran of the hospitality industry, has added nine acres, plus chickens, ducks, heritage hogs, organic produce and farm-to-table dinners to her lifestyle. In doing so, she packed up her family and moved to Stroud, perfectly situating herself to serve both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City markets. After spending years serving up delicious prepared foods at the Tulsa Farmer’s Market and working closely with local farmers, Egan fell in love with the idea of growing the food she serves. While her catering has long focused on farm-to-table dining, she wanted to grow her vision a step further. In 2018, the company evolved into the Red Thistle Collective, incorporating her dinners, which, like her catering, use meat, eggs and produce from her farm and other local farmer friends. Egan’s partner David Farmer and daughters Olivia Egan and Sadie Farmer also work at the collective. Olivia is a professional ceramicist who teaches at OK Contemporary in Oklahoma City. Many of her serving pieces are featured at Red Thistle dinners. Each dinner hosted at the farm in Stroud includes a changing menu that is hyperfocused on “Oklavore cuisine,” as Egan calls it. Because the line-up is so dependent on what ingredients are at their peak at the time of harvest, guests discover when they arrive what they will be enjoying that evening. As the growing season progresses, the farm-raised produce shifts from early lettuces, spinach, kale, chard, herbs, peas, beans, radishes and carrots into heirloom tomatoes, onions, leeks, peppers, garlic, corn, melons and beautiful squash. Chicken, eggs and pork also come from the farm, and each thoughtfully designed menu is intended to make you appreciate the locality of the food you’re eating. If a beautiful evening dining under the stars isn’t quite enough time to enjoy the peace and tranquility of farm life, Egan has partnered with Homma Camp Co. to provide luxury camping amenities, so guests can opt to extend their stay overnight. If you’ve never experienced camping by Homma, I highly recommend it. Guests have a choice of a tent with either one full-sized

bed with bedding or two luxury extra-extra large Teton cots with flannel-lined sleeping bags. Each campsite comes equipped with rugs, side tables, lanterns, a doormat, string lights and camp chairs. In the morning, Red Thistle offers a complimentary continental breakfast. While Egan still offers full-service catering services to both the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas, her day-to-day focus has shifted to building and growing the family farm and hosting smaller and more intimate dining experiences. To book your dining and optional camping experience, visit redthistlecateringtulsa.com. Dinners are $125 per person and include food, non-alcoholic beverages, Oklahoma sales tax and service. Luxury camping can also be booked at the same time. The cost is $250 plus sales tax per tent, which sleeps two. AMANDA JANE SIMCOE

Above: Chef Hope Egan has transformed her catering company into a collective that oﬀers farm-to-table dinners at her location in Stroud. Visitors to Egan’s farm enjoy delicious eats and the option for luxury camping if they wish to extend the evening. Photos courtesy Red Thistle Collective

ONLINE

TO SEE THE RECIPE FOR FIELD PEA SOUP, VISIT OKMAG.COM/EGAN.

MAY 2021| WWW.OKMAG.COM

Photos courtesy Tacos x Mezcal

TA S T E | TA S T Y T I D BI T S

Authentic cuisine straight from Nayarit, Mexico, Tacos x Mezcal says it all in the name. Well, maybe not all, but tacos and tequila are the stars of this menu. Created by father-son duo Mario and Nic Guajardo, TXMZ embodies all the best parts of Mexican street food. Living between Tulsa and Punta de Mita, Nayarit, Mexico, for over 25 years, the Guajardos spent several years developing the restaurant concept. They teamed up with Joseph Hull III and Joseph Hull IV – also a father-son team – who have traveled extensively through Mexico, developing a deep understanding and appreciation for its culture and cuisine. The team grew with the addition of chef Sebastian Renner, who comes from Punta de Mita and owns a popular restaurant there. “Chef Sebastian developed a menu consisting of authentic Mexican street food with his creative touch and flavoring that represents the spirit of Mexican cuisine,” says Nic. “Tacos x Mez-

DON JUSTO’S RED TACOS

Photo courtesy Don Justo’s Red Tacos

One of Tulsa’s best kept secrets, Don Justo’s Red

Tacos should be your next Taco Tuesday pitstop. This unassuming food truck dishes out a small but mighty array of food – from the eponymous tacos to delicious consome soup, beans and rice. Combo meals give you the best bang for your buck. Wash it all down with a Mexican Coca Cola or Jarrito in Mandarin or strawberry flavors. Simple, delicious and quick – Don Justo’s will soon be your new takeout obsession. - MWA; 1942 S. Garnett Rd., Tulsa;

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

cal focuses on bringing traditional Mexican dishes that represent the countries true street food experience with a fun twist.” From pork belly and short rib to chorizo and carne asada, tacos are priced individually, so you can create your own smorgasbord of options. “Everything is house-made with fresh ingredients, and for those who are vegan or vegetarian, there are many phenomenal options to choose from,” says Nic. Before the main event, the restaurant offers a handful of starters, including vegan guacamole, ceviche and queso. And, of course, the tequila can’t be forgotten; the restaurant’s signature margaritas can quench any thirst. Try the passionfruit vanilla, spicy guajillo mango or the hibiscus mint. Other cocktails include the Megaloma and Horchata Imposter. End the night with a duo of traditional Mexican desserts – churros and roasted plantains. Perhaps the best part? Nothing on the menu is over $12. Eat up! - MWA; 39 E. 18th St. Tulsa; txmztulsa.business.site

MONI’S PASTA & PIZZA

Trained in classic French cuisine, chef Rachel Foster and her husband John created Moni’s Pasta & Pizza, providing unforgettable meals. Start yours with mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat and baked in marsala wine cream sauce, topped with mozzarella. Or, go for the toasted caprese with tomatoes, basil leaves, spinach and balsamic reduction. Nero e verde brims of the sea with steamed green and black mussels, lemon, onion and garlic in a chardonnay broth with grilled zucchini. Pasta comfort includes “little ear” orecchiette with Canadian bacon in creamy pink vodka sauce. Named for the chef, ‘Risotto di Rachel’ features grilled salmon with made-to-order toasted walnut and spinach risotto. Don’t miss from-scratch New Jersey-style, thin crust, hand-tossed pizza. Sweet finishes include the light, citrus mascarpone sponge cake goodness of limoncello. - TL; 17200 N. May Ave., Ste 700, Edmond; monisokc.com TRACY LEGRAND AND MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy Moni’s

TACOS X MEZCAL

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WHERE & WHEN G R E AT T H I N G S TO D O I N O K L A H O M A

DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MANY EVENTS ARE CANCELED OR POSTPONED. CHECK INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA

PERFORMANCE

A VARIETY OF OPTIONS Photo courtesy McKnight Center for the Performing Arts

READY FOR AN EXCITING MAY? READ ON FOR OUR TOP CHOICES THIS MONTH.

In conjunction with the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission’s commemoration events, Tulsa Opera presents Greenwood Overcomes on May 1-2 at the Tulsa PAC. Celebrated Black composers and opera stars take the stage to honor the resilience of Black Tulsans and Black Americans around the country. Signature Symphony continues its virtual offerings with Chamber Music Concert #9 on May 7. Sign up to enjoy this instrumental

PERFORMANCES

TULSA OPERA PRESENTS: GREENWOOD OVERCOMES - CELEBRATING BLACK COMPOSERS AND OPERA STARS May 1-2 Tulsa PAC In a special concert featuring works for voice and piano by living Black composers, Tulsa Opera honors the resilience of Black Tulsans and Black America, one hundred years after the Tulsa Race Massacre. tulsaopera.com

CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT #9 Virtual May 7 The virtual Chamber Music Concert series invites small groups of Signature Symphony musicians to perform in various instrumental combinations in an intimate and personal setting. signaturesymphony.org

Contemporary This showcase

is a thoughtful visual dialogue that uses art to examine how the pervasiveness of a collective past informs the present. 108contemporary.org

MAYFEST 2021 YOUTH ART GALLERY Through June 20

Spirit Casino Resort Voz De

Mando is one of the most prominent groups in the Mexican regional genre.

riverspirittulsa.com

KYLE KNIX May 8 Cain’s

Ballroom Kyle Knix presents

two acoustic sets at 6:15 and 9 p.m. cainsballroom.com

Through July 4 Gilcrease

MY SOUL LOOKS BACK AND WONDER HOW I GOT OVER Through June 20 108

Philbrook Bringing together local artists and artists working across the country, From the Limitations of Now reflects on the important ways art and literature allow us to examine America’s past, present and future. philbrook.org

VIEWS OF GREENWOOD Through Sept. 5 Philbrook

Views of Greenwood presents nearly fifty photographs of the Greenwood District by three Oklahoma photographers. philbrook.org

SPORTS

ART

oklahomapinto.com

TULSA OILERS HOCKEY May 1, 7, 14-16, 22, 28 BOK

ASSIGNMENT TULSA

tulsasymphony.org

VOZ DE MANDO: ANA BARBARA, ENIGMA NORTENO May 8 River

Celebrate 62 years of the Oklahoma Pinto Association at this annual show.

1429 Terrace Dr. Dine on authentic German fare, listen to live polka music and watch skilled folk dancers.

works in this exhibition were created in the past year by Tulsa area K-12 students attending a number of area schools plus homeschool students. ahhatulsa.org

FROM THE LIMITATIONS OF NOW Through Sept. 5

CONCERTS

May 1-2 Expo Square

ahha Tulsa The original

ONEOK Stadium Enjoy a

night at the Drillers’ Stadium with the Tulsa Symphony.

Center Hockey is back at the BOK Center. bokcenter.com

This exhibition, through the art of photography, showcases the many things that make Tulsa such a special place to live. gilcrease.org

TULSA SYMPHONY PRESENTS: BEETHOVEN SYMPHONY NO. 9 May 14

CHANTICLEER

OKLAHOMA PINTO HORSE ASSOCIATION WILDFLOWER CLASSIC

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

COMMUNITY GERMANFEST Through May 2

travelok.com

57TH ANNUAL DARRYL STARBIRD NATIONAL ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW Through May 2 Expo Square

One of the most renowned car shows in the region happens right here in Tulsa.

exposquare.com

FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL

May 7 Downtown Tulsa Since 2007, the Tulsa Arts District has presented the community with rotating art displays as part of the First Friday Art Crawl. travelok.com

TULSA INTERNATIONAL MAYFEST May 7-9

Downtown Mayfest is

showcase at signaturesymphony.org. Ready to enjoy the spring air? Tulsa Symphony offers Beethoven Symphony No. 9 on May 14 at ONEOK Stadium. Guests can enjoy the TSO musicians in an outdoor, socially distant environment. The OKC Philharmonic offers two combination in-person/virtual showcases this month, both at Civic Center Music Hall. Enjoy Blockbuster Broadway! on May 1 and Copland – Appalachian Spring on May 8. In Stillwater, the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts presents Chanticleer on May 4. This San Francisco-based vocal group includes twelve male voices, ranging from soprano to bass. Stick around the McKnight for The Kid on May 15, which welcomes Peter Krasinski with an improvised organ score to Charlie Chaplin’s silent film.

COMMUNIT Y

BELOVED EVENTS RETURN

After its brief hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, Mayfest returns to downtown Tulsa on May 7-9. Enjoy top-of-the-line arts from local and national artists, plus entertainment and food all weekend long. In conjunction with Mayfest, ahha Tulsa presents the 2021 Youth Art Gallery through June 20. The original works in this exhibition were created in the past year by Tulsa area K-12 students. The John Hope Franklin National Symposium runs May 26-29 at 100 E. Second. St. This symposium, welcome to all, explores the role arts and culture can play in healing racial divides in the United States and around the world. In OKC, the Cinco de Mayo Festival runs May 2 at Scissortail Park. Enjoy live music from local and international artists, plus dancing, children’s activities and more. Fans of scary movies shouldn’t miss Horror Con on May 15-16 at OKC’s Lost Lakes Amphitheater. A variety of horror movies are on display for cinema lovers everywhere. And in Shawnee, Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art presents the work of oiler painter Roberto Ugalde through June 20. the Tulsa Wind Riders and watch colorful colors and interesting shapes catch some serious air. travelok.com

CONNECTING THE DOTS

nationally renowned for presenting the very best in arts and entertainment. Visit this exciting community event after its brief hiatus in 2020. tulsamayfest.org

May 11, 25 Virtual Through the Connecting the Dots series, Signature Symphony musicians act as virtual hosts, guiding you through a variety of musical topics. signaturesymphony.org

TULSA FESTIVAL OF KITES May 8-9 Tulsa Wind

JOHN HOPE FRANKLIN NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM May

Riders Gather in Tulsa with

26-29 100 E. Second. St. Attend

2 TULSA INTERNATIONAL MAYFEST

IN OKC

PERFORMANCES

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: BLOCKBUSTER BROADWAY! May 1

Virtual/Civic Center Music Hall Come experience all

the show-stopping tunes you love from Broadway’s biggest blockbusters. okcphil.org

OKC PHIL PRESENTS: COPLAND – APPALACHIAN SPRING

May 8 Virtual/Civic Center Music Hall Conductor

Alexander Mickelthwate teams up with Valerie Watts on flute, Gaye LeBlancGermain on harp and the OKC Phil for a glorious night of music. okcphil.org

CONCERTS HOUNDMOUTH May 16

Tower Theatre Indie trio

Houndmouth takes the stage. towertheatreokc.com

The McKnight Center in Stillwater offers its new Family Series, with STILWELL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL a show on May 1 showcasing Lucas Ross and MOVING VISION: OP Sugar Free All Stars. The center’s youngest AND KINETIC ART patrons are welcome to enjoy the magic of FROM THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES Through May the theater with family-friendly music. 16 OKCMOA This exhibition The Bixby BBQ ‘n Blues Festival, running highlights one of the great strengths of the museum’s May 7-8, is one of the largest barbecue permanent collection – the competitions in Oklahoma. Along with holdings in op (optical) and kinetic (movement) art.

okcmoa.com

FIND HER WEST Through May 16 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The American West is diﬀicult to define and far more complex than stereotypes suggest.

DAMEON ALLENSWORTH

nationalcowboymuseum.org

Country crooner Allensworth visits OKC.

LONG EXPOSURE Through

May 22 Tower Theatre towertheatreokc.com

ART OK/LA Through May 7

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman This exhibition

features the work of six former Oklahomans who left the state in the late 1950s for Los Angeles. ou.edu/fjjma

June 27 Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Norman This

exhibition demonstrates Pictorialism’s lasting influence on amateurs, art photographers, portraitists and photographers.

ou.edu/fjjma

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS: WESTERN WILDLIFE

Through July 11 National Cowboy and Western

SPORTS

HOCKEY, SOCCER, SOFTBALL, OH MY!

Photo courtesy Tulsa International Mayfest

MUSIC, BARBECUE AND CHALK ART

Heritage Museum The animals of the American West are as iconic as the landscapes they inhabit.

nationalcowboymuseum.org

#HASHTAGTHECOWBOY

Through August 8 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum It has

been a year since COVID-19 forced the museum to close. Looking on the bright side, it’s also been a year since the head of security, Tim Tiller, took the reins of the social media outreach. nationalcowboymuseum.org

WEITZENHOFFER COLLECTION Ongoing

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art

In 2000, the University of Oklahoma received the Photo courtesy FC Tulsa

jhfnationalsymposium.org

FA M I LY / K I D S

Photo courtesy Stilwell Strawberry Festival

the John Hope Franklin National Symposium in Tulsa to learn about the role arts and culture can play in healing racial divides in the United States and around the world.

single most important collection of French Impressionism ever given to an American public university. ou.edu/fjjma

SPORTS OKC THUNDER BASKETBALL May 1-2, 4, 14, 16 Chesapeake Energy Arena The state’s only

professional sports team takes the Chesapeake Arena court. chesapeakearena.com

ENERGY FC SOCCER May 1, 16, 29 Taft Stadium Semi-

pro soccer is back in OKC with the Energy FC.

energyfc.com

OKRVA REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

COMMUNITY OKC CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL May 2

Scissortail Park Festivities include live music from local and international artists, folkloric dancing, activities for children, a parade of horses and the crowning of Miss Cinco de Mayo. scissortailpark.org

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK May 7 Paseo Arts

District Visitors can enjoy

Park Prep your home for the warmer months at the annual Home and Garden show. okcfairgrounds.com

Calling all goblins, ghouls and ghosts: gather in Oklahoma City for a gloriously spooky weekend at Horror Con.

Through May 2 State Fair Park See high

horrorconokc.com

okcfairgrounds.com

Fair Park Kids and kids at

OSSAA SLOW PITCH STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS May 4-5

okcfairgrounds.com

OKC MODEL RAILROAD EXPO May 21-22 State heart can enjoy this exciting locomotive extravaganza.

BAD TO THE BONE DOG SHOW May 22 State

teams are expected to be competing in the annual slow pitch championship event. teamusa.org

okcfairgrounds.com

BIG 12 SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP May

CHUCK WAGON FESTIVAL May 29-30

weekend of competitive play features the nation’s top softball teams. big12sports.com

PERFORMANCES

FAMILY SERIES: LUCAS ROSS AND SUGAR FREE ALL STARS May 1 McKnight

Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater The new Family

CHANTICLEER May 4

HORROR CON May 15-16 Lost Lakes Amphitheater

14-15 USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium Complex This

THE STATE

2021 OKLAHOMA CITY HOME AND GARDEN SHOW May 14-16 State Fair

okcfairgrounds.com

USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex Dozens of

nationalcowboymuseum.org

Series invites McKnight’s youngest patrons to join in the theater for a fun time filled with music and laughter.

State Fair Park These amphibians are sure to impress.

school volleyball teams compete for top prizes.

from a hilarious Old West show to the sounds of acclaimed Western singers and musicians.

art openings, wine tastings, live music and other activities. thepaseo.org

REPTICON REPTILE AND EXOTIC ANIMAL CONVENTION May 15

Tulsa bustles with sports activities this month. The Oklahoma Pinto Horse Association Wildflower Classic runs May 1-2 at Expo Square, celebrating 62 years FC TULSA SOCCER of the Oklahoma Pinto Association. At BOK Center, the Tulsa Oilers play several games throughout the month. Semi-pro soccer is also back, with the FC Tulsa taking on a variety of foes at ONEOK Field. The Thunder continues regular season game play at the Chesapeake Energy Arena throughout May. And fans of soccer in OKC can grab tickets to see Energy FC at Taft Stadium on May 1, 16 or 29. May is softball’s time to shine; the OSSAA Slow Pitch State Championships are on May 4-5 at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex. Stick around for the Big 12 Softball Championship on May 14-15. And in Claremore, visit the Will Rogers Stampede Arena for the Will Rogers Stampede PRCA Rodeo on May 27-30. Talented athletes will try their hands at bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and more.

tasty eats, families can jam out to music and feel the camaraderie at Washington Irving Memorial Park and Arboretum. Swing by the Stilwell Strawberry Festival on May 8 for delicious fruit creations, plus live music and other community events all around downtown. Going virtual for 2021, the Montmartre Chalk Art Festival runs through May 26. Witness talented artists of all ages create sensational chalk art and see who takes home top prizes. In OKC, the Chuck Wagon Festival returns May 29-30 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Kids and adults alike can enjoy a variety of entertainment, from Old West shows to performances by acclaimed singers.

Fair Park Enjoy a variety

of talented canines.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

Come to this much-loved festival for amazing stage entertainment,

mcknightcenter.org

McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater

Chanticleer is a San Francisco based “orchestra of voices” that seamlessly blends twelve male voices ranging from soprano to bass. mcknightcenter.org

THE KID May 15 McKnight

Center for the Performing Arts,

Stillwater Audience favorite Peter Krasinski returns to the McKnight, this time with an improvised organ score to Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent film The Kid.

mcknightcenter.org

ART COMPANION SPECIES

Through May 24 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Companion

Species is a new focus exhibition and collaborative project. crystalbridges.org

CRAFTING AMERICA

Through May 31 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Featuring over 100

works, Crafting America presents a diverse and inclusive story of American craft. crystalbridges.org

ROBERTO UGALDE

Through June 20 Mabee Gerrer Museum of Art,

MAY 2021 | WWW.OKMAG.COM

Shawnee Roberto Ugalde is an

adept oil painter who expresses the essence of his subjects in a way that draws the viewer into the painting. mgmoa.org

STATE OF THE ART

Ongoing Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Ark. Crystal Bridges

opens the new decade with the opening of the Momentary, and the debut of State of the Art 2020. crystalbridges.org

SPORTS GUYMON OUTBACK MOTORCYCLE SHOW AND FIVE-STATE RUN May 7 Texas County Activity Center This event

features a motorcycle run, motorcycle show, local fare, vendors and outdoor music.

mainstreetguymon.com

VIRTUAL GREAT STRIDES WALK May 8 Virtual Form

a team or walk on your own during the annual Great Strides Walk. fightcf.cff.org

MUDDY BUDDIES RUN

Peruvian Horse Association – and its sanctioned events spotlight the Peruvian horse’s beauty, unusual gait and smooth ride. napha.net

ROSE ROCK MUSIC

FESTIVAL Through May 2 304 S. Main St., Noble Come to

the Rose Rock Music Festival in downtown Noble for a fun-filled weekend featuring plenty of family activities. nobleok.org

BIXBY BBQ ‘N BLUES FESTIVAL May 7-8

Washington Irving Memorial

Park and Arboretum One of the largest barbecue competitions in Oklahoma, the Bixby BBQ ‘n Blues Festival, features two days of mouthwatering barbecue and great music. travelok.com

STILWELL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 8 Downtown

The annual Stilwell Strawberry Festival has become one of Oklahoma’s most-loved hometown traditions.

strawberrycapital.com

TONKAWA FILM FESTIVAL

muddybuddiesrun.com

beautiful 200-seat Wilkin Hall theater, this event features a charming small town experience and plenty of great films. tonkawafilmfestival.com

WILL ROGERS STAMPEDE PRCA RODEO May 27-30 Will Rogers Stampede Arena, Claremore

Rodeo events include bull riding, barrel racing, team roping, mutton bustin’ for the kids, rodeo clowns and a dance. rodeoticket.com

PERUVIAN HORSE SHOW

May 28-30 Stephens County Fair and Expo Center, Duncan The

SPIRAL

COMMUNITY

May 15 Choctaw Creek Park

Muddy Buddies Run is a mud run designed specifically for people and their dogs.

FILM AND CINEMA

May 21-22 Wilkin Hall at Northern Oklahoma College, Tonkawa Located in the

VIRTUAL MONTMARTRE CHALK ART FESTIVAL

Through May 26 Virtual Attend the annual Montmartre Sidewalk Chalk Art Festival virtually to view creative chalk art made by hundreds of artists of all ages. usao.edu

NAPHA – or North American

FOR MORE EVENTS IN TULSA, OKC AND AROUND THE STATE, HEAD TO OKMAG.COM.

HOT PICKS FOR MAY

Movies pushed from last year finally make their debut this month.

e’ve almost hit the halfway point of 2021, which is weird to think about. The film industry as a whole is still suffering, but at least movies are coming out again. Some on this list were originally slated for last year and are just now making their way into theaters, and I’m optimistic that folks will make the trip out to see them instead of waiting on streaming. After all, the big screen experience can’t be beaten. First up, the Marvel film Black Widow gets its long overdue – oh … oh, of course it got delayed again. Alright, well in that case, let me recommend something completely different. Released back in 2017, which feels like 100 years ago at this point, One Cut of the Dead is a wild and comedically refreshing take on the zombie film genre. Unfortunately, that’s all I really want to tell you, because this film benefits so much from going in as blind as possible. If you’re interested at all, I implore you to look up nothing. It’s available to rent on Amazon Prime. It’s worth it.

Those Who Wish Me Dead, a neo-western based on the book of the same name, starring Angelina Jolie and directed Tyler Sheridan, has my full attention. A teenage murder witness is chased down by twin assassins while Jolie’s character, survival expert Hannah Faber, is tasked with protecting him. With an exciting supporting cast including Nicholas Hoult, Aidan Gillen and Jon Bernthal, along with Sheridan co-writing and directing (he wrote Sicario, Hell or High Water and Wind River – all excellent neo-westerns as well), this is shaping up to be an extremely well crafted piece of cinema. The film releases on May 14, both theatrically and on HBO Max. Not sure why this is happening, but Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson are headlining a new film in the Saw franchise called Spiral. Looking like more of an offshoot/soft reboot, it still seems to have all of the over-the-top gore and death from previous entries while trying to put a fresh spin on the well-worn story beats. Will this be any good? No idea, but it releases May 14. Lastly, another film with several delays under its belt, A Quite Place Part II is at last ready to see the light of day. A sequel to the 2018 smash hit, the follow up has Emily Blunt and her two children, played by Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, returning to fight/ run from more creepy blind creatures that are attracted by sound. The trailer seems to imply that the massively dwindling human population that remains may also be a looming threat to the trio. Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou join the cast as well, with John Krasinski returning to direct. It releases on May 28, and will hit Paramount Plus 45 days later.

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

TRAIT THOMPSON

n 2020, Trait Thompson was unanimously selected by the Oklahoma Historical Society’s board of directors to take the helm as executive director. Prior to that, he spearheaded a multi-million dollar restoration project, was a political advisor, and worked in the telecom and business consulting fields. Thompson has also been an adjunct professor at three universities in Oklahoma. We caught up with Thompson and got his thoughts on ... Since I started my career in state government over ten years ago, I have had the pleasure of working with the Oklahoma Historical Society and Dr. Blackburn [the previous executive director]. When I transitioned to managing the restoration of the Oklahoma State Capitol in 2014, I came to rely on the agency for historical drawings of the building, archival research and consultation on the architectural plans for restoration activities. It was through this work that I really got to know the incredible staff members and came to truly appreciate the mission of the agency. When I learned that Dr. Blackburn was planning to retire, I had a conversation with him to determine if he thought my skill set would be conducive to success as his potential successor. He complimented me on my passion for Oklahoma history and, given my knowledge of state government and the administrative skill I possessed in leading the Capitol restoration project, he thought I would be a quality candidate for the job.

... a day in the life.

If I am not traveling, my days usually involve quite a few meetings. I may meet with staff members to go over our budget for a particular project we’re working on or game plan for a future event at one of our sites. We have been focusing on strategic planning for the agency, so I carve out time each week to meet with our directors on that topic. Since the legislature is in session, it’s not uncommon for me to walk across the street to the Capitol to meet with a representative or senator about our budget or a bond issue we’re trying to get authorized. I spend time working with our board members. Sometimes I am asked to speak to a group on Zoom or in person, and I also write columns for a couple of publi

OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2021

Photo courtesy Trait Thompson

... what led him to OHS.

cations. I take time to get together with our donors from time to time and discuss opportunities to fund the work we are doing at the OHS. Much of my time lately has been spent working with our staff on the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) in Tulsa. We are planning to open OKPOP in 2022 and there is much still to do, including completing construction on the building.

... his accomplishments.

In my career, I am most proud of the successful restoration of the Oklahoma State Capitol. I assumed the project manager role on that job in 2014, just after the first bond issue had passed the legislature. For six years, I shepherded the project and was the only full-time employee in state government dedicated to it. The Capitol was in terrible condition when we started. Today, with less than a year to the project’s completion, the exterior project has been finished and the building is completely water tight. The building has been modernized for today’s usage, all while maintaining its historic character. Best of all, the project will be completed ahead of schedule and on budget. While I am still getting my feet under me at OHS, I am most proud so far of getting our podcast started again, A Very OK

Podcast. It was a priority for me to get it started again to fulfill one of the planks of our mission statement, which is to share Oklahoma’s history.

... his enthusiasm for restoration and preservation.

Our built environment is one of the few tangible connections we have to our past. When we walk into a historic building or historic home, we are able to experience what it must have felt like to be in that place at a particular point in time. Standing in an old building or being in the midst of a historic landmark brings history alive in a way that is difficult to replicate in other ways. There is a quote by John Ruskin that perfectly captures how I feel about these places: “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for; and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say, as they look ONLINE upon the labor and wrought substance of FOR MORE, VISIT okmag.com/ them, ‘See! This our traitthompson fathers did for us.’”

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Oklahoma Magazine May 2021

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