OCU Makes History at Annual Parade

For the past 40 years, the Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday Coalition has been organizing the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Day in Oklahoma City In that time, it has grown to one of the largest celebrations in the country with a prayer breakfast, job fair, and a parade This year, families and onlookers packed both sides of Walker Ave. downtown to witness the parade of floats, marching bands, and over 115 other entries that came from all across the city and state including - for its inaugural appearance - Oklahoma City University!

Organized and led by Director Danielle Pullen, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion partnered with both the Black Student Association and the Student Civic Engagement Committee to participate in this annual community tradition as a marching group in the Colleges division Students, staff, and faculty were encouraged to walk in the activist footsteps of the Civil Rights icon, Clara Luper (founder of the Clara Luper Scholarship Program), and an enthusiastic group did just that! With support from Cheer, Pom, the Student Government Association, and even Starsky himself, OCU handed out hundreds of stickers and postcards informing folks about the servant hearts of Stars.

Recently, the ODEI was informed that OCU had officially placed second in the College March Group division! The trophy was awarded and VP Carroll, Director Pullen, the President of the Black Student Association, Gladys Green (shown on the left), and the President of the Student Government Association, BreAuna Shaw (second from the right) were on-hand to accept it. The trophy will be housed in Director Pullen's office in the University Center.

Going forward, OCU will continue to participate in the Parade Therefore, if you were unable to join this year, make plans to be there in 2024 when we try again for first place!