Hard Luck Auto fixes cars for cost of parts; labor is free

Sam Royka Managing Editor

With new car prices always increasing, many folks want to keep their old cars on the road. Hard Luck Auto has been helping do just that since 2017.

“We help anybody that comes through the door,” said Adam Ely, Army veteran and co-founder of Hard Luck Auto, located in Choctaw at 14002 SE 29th St.

He went from working on Chinook helicopters in the U.S. Army to providing charity automotive work.

“We’re an automotive nonprofit,” he explained.

“We never imagined it getting this big and have no idea what to expect in the future, but it brings us joy and we get to meet some pretty amazing people,” said Toni Ely, partner in both life and work to Adam.

They “focus on the simple stuff, brakes, shocks, struts, CV joints, stuff like that,” Adam said, and can get your car “in and out in under 3 hours.”

One big thing about Hard Luck is that “labor will always be free,” he said.

“I help you source the parts,” he said, so customers do not have to worry about finding parts themselves. Additionally, NAPA Auto Parts teamed up with the nonprofit in 2019, offering parts at a discounted rate to customers of Hard Luck Auto.

“But that doesn’t mean he can’t build a mean hot rod,” said Jay Shanker, owner of ListenUpOKC, a local vinyl bar.

Hard Luck Auto is open Mon-Thurs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The staff suggests getting there as early as possible to ensure you are seen that day.

They are closed Friday through Sunday and holidays. To avoid scheduling conflicts, they advise checking their Facebook page for any updates. More information can be found at hardluckauto.org. Email questions to hardluckautoservices@gmail. com.

Black Girl Magic celebrates beauty and accomplishments of Black women

Chandler Coleman

Contributing Writer

Black Girl Magic is an event hosted Feb. 22 in the Nigh University Center Ballrooms at UCO to celebrate the creativity and resilience of Black girls and women. This event provides a platform for Black women to share their experiences and showcase their talents in the field of art, music, literature, and activism.

The UCO Office of Diversity and Inclusion has hosted this event for many years to provide a space for Black women to feel safe while also being able to network with each other. This event brings Black women from different walks of life and provides for them to share their experiences and stories. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the past years have brought on keynote speakers, panel discussion and performances by black women who have contributions in their own respective fields.

The term “Black Girl Magic” was created by CaShawn Thompson in 2013 to affirm the beauty and strength of Black girls and women. Thompson first used the term on Twitter and the hashtag was then shared over several social media platforms, leading to the phrase and creation of the brand Black Girl Magic.

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion will also provide a $500 scholarship for incoming freshmen of the fall 2023 semester. To be eligible for this scholarship, The student must reserve their spot and complete the scholarship part of the online registration. For current college students, a $1,000 scholarship will be awarded. Awardees must be enrolled full time and plan on being enrolled full time during the Fall 2023 semester.

This event is designed to provide a supportive and empowering environment for Black women to share their stories and celebrate their own achievements while also supporting each other.