“Race in Oklahoma” is a special half-hour production from OETA premiering on our station’s statewide broadcast network and Facebook page Thursday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.
“Race in Oklahoma” will explore the history of racism in Oklahoma, policing, protesting, systemic issues, and education.
This special production will be moderated by Yamiche Alcindor, White House Correspondent for PBS NewsHour. Alcindor was recently named the recipient of the Aldo Beckman Award for Overall Excellence in White House Coverage by the White House Correspondents’ Association.
Guests include Laron Chapman, filmmaker; Oklahoma State Representative Regina Goodwin, Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus; Deborah Hunter, writer and poet; Bethanie Jae, reporter for The Black Chronicle; Dr. Donnie Nero, Ed.D, retired president of Connors State College; Jabee Williams, hip-hop artist and activist.
The panel discusses the impact of the President's visit to Tulsa, OK on Saturday, the meaning behind Juneteenth, the 99th anniversary of The Tulsa Race Massacre, protesting during a pandemic, and dives deep into what we as Oklahomans can do to create real, lasting change.
“Our team has acted swiftly to produce “Race in Oklahoma” — a direct response to the protests which continue to take place across the state,” says Polly Anderson, OETA executive director. “My personal hope for this special is that all communities come to understand the daily and systemic racism our Black neighbors face. I encourage our viewers to approach this program with an open heart and a sense of understanding.”
Watch "Race in Oklahoma" on OETA and the OETA Facebook Page Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. The program will be available to stream through YouTube and PBS platforms beginning Friday, June 19.