TULSA, Okla. (Cherokee Nation Reservation) — Charles Wilkes, a descendant of Cherokee Nation Freedmen and 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, has entered the race for Cherokee Nation’s newly drawn District 5.
“I knew that we needed to have somebody in this position who was going to continue the progress of making sure the issues most important to the citizens are taken care of,” Wilkes told the Black Wall Street Times Friday.
After spending years behind the scenes supporting policies, legislation and business endeavors that enhance the lives of people in his community, Wilkes said he answered the call from community members to serve.
If elected, he would become the first Freedman descendant to serve on the Cherokee Nation council in roughly a century.
“It’s vital for this district, which has some of the most congregated Freedmen, to have a voice that understands, that’s been right there in the process, that they can reach out to and connect to,” Wilkes said.
The district encompasses all of historically-Black North Tulsa, some of Owasso, a bit of Collinsville and about half of Sperry, Oklahoma. Due to a large population of Cherokee citizens in the Tulsa area, what was once a single district became two in June 2024.
Candidacy filings closed this week, and Wilkes has garnered two opponents for the District 5 seat, Ashley Grant and Frank Whitlock, according to the Tahlequah Daily Press.
Charles Wilkes gains notable endorsements for Cherokee Nation Council
Joe Deere, the longtime Cherokee Nation councilmember for District 13, has thrown his support behind Wilkes.
“I am glad to give my support to Charles Wilkes having been able to work with him in the community for the last five years,” Deere said in an endorsement. “He knows what the community needs and he has shown that he can stand up for the community and can stand against adversity.
He’s also gained an endorsement from Melissa Payne, a Freedman descendant who serves as Cherokee Nation Community Liason.
“Charles is a dedicated leader who understands the importance of community, inclusion, and strong representation for all Cherokee citizens. His passion for service and his commitment to uplifting our people make him the right choice for the role,” Payne said.
From enslavement to leadership
All Five Large Tribes (Cherokee, Muscogee Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole) practiced European-style chattel slavery in what is now considered present-day Oklahoma. The Freedmen of these tribal nations walked the Trail of Tears, forced to carry the luggage of their enslavers.
Freedmen helped build these nations in Indian Territory, and the history of the Cherokee Nation includes slave revolts, proving the desire for self-determination among Freedmen.
A series of treaties in 1866 with the U.S. government saw each tribe abandon slavery. Yet, only the Cherokee Nation has fully embraced citizenship, rights and recognition for Freedmen descendants.
Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. has taken major steps to integrate Freedmen back into the tribal nation. Last year he signed executive orders calling for equity across all services within tribal government.
On Tuesday Feb. 11, Cherokee Nation will celebrate Black History Month at 11 a.m. inside Tulsa’s Greenwood Cultural Center. As a candidate for Cherokee Nation Council, Wilkes said he’s ready to expand resources for Cherokee citizens in District 5.
“There’s a lot of citizens in this area we need to be taking care of, whether it’s by health outcomes, jobs and homes, skills and career building, whatever the need is. We have a lot of room to grow,” Wilkes said.
To learn more about Wilkes’ campaign for Cherokee Nation Council, you can chat with him in person at his campaign kickoff Friday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. inside the Greenwood Cultural Center or visit https://wilkes4d5.com/.
The general election for Cherokee Nation Council is on June 7, 2025. To learn more about the election and how to vote, visit election.cherokee.org.
Related Stories:
- Cherokee Nation leads reconciliation with Freedmen descendants
- The slave revolt of 1842: When dozens fled Cherokee Nation
Leave a comment