GREENWOOD Dist.–Tulsans who want their children and families to access Black history education not found in Oklahoma classrooms have one more chance to attend Black History Saturdays before the end of 2024.
Class begins Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. inside north Tulsa’s Edurec facility, located at 5424 N. Peoria. Along with the free class, organizers will offer free breakfast at 8:45 a.m. and lunch during the sessions.
Running from February through November, the final class of 2024 marks two years that the curriculum has been operating independent of any state-run public school district. It includes history, music, art, and archeology, just to name a few.
Building an educational movement
For Kristi Williams, founder of Black History Saturdays, it’s been a long journey.
“For three years I have really been wanting to create a space for community and family to come and learn,” Williams said during the curriculum’s launch in February 2023. “Because it’s important to know who we are, and not the narrative that society has given to us, because our history did not start with slavery,” she previously told the Black Wall Street Times.
She’s partnered with professional archeologists to give students first-hand lessons on how teams are uncovering mass graves from the 1921 massacre in Tulsa. Williams was also featured on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Rebuilding Black Wall Street” miniseries in October 2023.
Ultimately, her entrepreneurial efforts has drawn support from companies like National Geographic, which help to sponsor the classes.
Black History Saturdays teaches the truth in 2024 and beyond
In Oklahoma, teachers face threats of losing their license for violating HB 1775, a law that regulates how schools can educate students on race, history and gender.
While far-right State Superintendent Ryan Walters continues a campaign of hateful rhetoric towards public school educators and administrators, Williams is giving them a place where they can teach the community free of persecution.
“Don’t miss this special day—bring your family to learn, connect, and celebrate our history together,” Williams posted on Facebook. “Join us as we close out 2024 and prepare for even more impactful sessions in 2025!”
To learn more or to register for Black History Saturdays, visit their website.
Related Stories
- Black History Saturdays is for the culture
- Interactive Archeology curriculum at Black History Saturdays
- Black History Saturdays on OWN TV’s Rebuilding Black Wall Street
Comments are closed.