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GREENWOOD DISTRICT, Okla. – In a tribute to the world’s trailblazers, the National Geographic Society unveiled its latest National Geographic Explorers Wayfinder Award recipients. Among whom, Kristi Williams stands out as a fervent advocate for Black history curriculum in a state where its right-wing dominant legislature vows to suppress any mention of race in its educational institutions.
Wayfinder Award honorees are acknowledged for pushing the frontiers in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling — endeavors that align with the Society’s mission to illuminate and safeguard the marvels of our world.
Educating with Heritage: Kristi Williams’ Family Legacy of Survival and Strength
What distinguishes Williams, however, is not only her unwavering commitment to ensuring that public school students and community members receive the full history of the African diaspora experience in America, but also her profound familial ties to history — she descends from families who survived the turbulent events of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest racial conflicts in American history, devastated the thriving African American community of Greenwood, Tulsa, also known as “Black Wall Street.” Over two days in late May and early June, mobs of white residents, supported by law enforcement, attacked and destroyed homes, businesses, and churches, leaving hundreds dead and thousands homeless. The massacre, fueled by racial hatred and economic jealousy, remains a stark reminder of the systemic racism and violence African Americans endured in early 20th century America.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Kristi Williams’ Black History Advocacy
Williams garnered acclaim for establishing Black History Saturdays in response to Oklahoma legislation HB 1775, a legislative measure that made it difficult to thoroughly teach Black History in Oklahoma’s schools. Specifically, the law imposed restrictions on the teaching of race in public education, effectively prohibiting the discussion of certain critical race theory tenets in events such as the Tulsa Race Massacre.
Concerns that White students might feel uncomfortable during discussions about factual racial historical events became the driving force behind the Republican legislature’s passage of HB 1775, whereby Governor Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law in 2021, the year and month that Tulsa would commemorate the 100 years since the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, during which a white mob decimated 36 blocks of Black-owned homes and businesses and claimed the lives of over 300 residents.
From Resistance to Resilience: Kristi Williams’ Impact through Saturday Schools
Determined to preserve her family and community’s history against legislative suppression, Williams took decisive action by founding Saturday Schools in response to HB 1775. Thus, she launched the inaugural Black History Saturdays at the EduRec Community Center in North Tulsa in 2023. This program, which offers free monthly classes, aims to educate and empower K-12 students and community members.
Prominent leaders like Tulsa City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper and Tulsa University’s Dr. Alicia Odewale has led sessions, covering the breadth of Black culture from its past to its future.
Vanessa Hall Harper told The Black Wall Street Times that Kristi Williams’ achievement as a National Geographic Explorer marks a pivotal moment in the journey to educate communities on authentic Black history.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Kristi Williams being awarded a National Geographic Explorer. She took her dream of unapologetically educating her community about true Black History and making it a reality. Black History Saturdays will now be duplicated in other cities and communities. Congratulations to Kristi Williams,” Vanessa Hall Harper told The Black Wall Street Times.
Dr. Alicia Odewale expressed her enthusiasm about the award received by her friend and colleague. “I am so excited for Kristi to step into her new role as a Wayfinder Award recipient and National Geographic Explorer. It’s wonderful to see someone who has tirelessly served our community for years be recognized on a global stage. Up until last year, I think most of her work has been behind the scenes, but it’s been so inspiring to watch her step into the spotlight and channel her rightful anger with state legislation into creating something new for the entire community,” she told The Black Wall Street Times.
“I have seen her idea for Black History Saturdays unfold to become a successful program that has now grown in size, received national recognition, been featured on NPR, Blavity, etc., and now even has its own Banned Book Library, and it’s only been one year. National Geographic is lucky to have her joining the explorer community, and I can’t wait to see what she has planned next,” Dr. Odewale adds.
Charting New Paths: Williams’ National Geographic Journey
In November of last year, “Black History Saturdays” debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Rebuilding Black Wall Street” series. This initiative inspired communities nationwide to establish Saturday Schools, ensuring children and communities continue to receive a comprehensive education on the Black American experience. This effort persists despite campaigns aimed at suppressing the teaching of Black history in schools.
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Inspired by her own educational curiosity, Williams underscores the significance of understanding Black history and culture as a source of empowerment. Despite challenges, she remains steadfast in promoting a community-driven educational model and encourages similar initiatives nationwide.
“With the support of National Geographic and my Explorer community, Black History Saturdays can reach new heights. Beyond project funding, being a National Geographic Explorer provides me with expanded professional development, training, leadership and speaking opportunities, community building, and valuable connections. This support enables me to expand Black History Saturdays and deepen my network, fostering new ideas to enhance the program,” Williams told The Black Wall Street Times.
With the prestigious Wayfinder Award from the National Geographic Society, Kristi Williams not only affirms her dedication to preserving and promoting Black history but also secures invaluable resources to further empower communities through initiatives like Black History Saturdays.
As she continues to expand her impact and forge connections within the Explorer community, Williams exemplifies resilience and visionary leadership, ensuring that the stories and lessons of Greenwood’s past remain a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
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