What significant event did the Oklahoma Legislature declare in 2020 regarding state history?

The Oklahoma Legislature's declaration of 2020 as the "Centennial of the Oklahoma Black Towns" holds great significance in highlighting the history and contributions of African American communities in the state. This declaration marks a century since the establishment of the first all-Black towns in Oklahoma, which emerged following the end of the Civil War and the onset of the Jim Crow laws in the South.

These towns were formed as a means for African Americans to escape oppression and create self-sustaining communities. This recognition serves not only to honor the legacy of the individuals who founded and lived in these towns but also to educate the public about the unique cultural and historical significance of these communities in Oklahoma’s diverse history.

Celebrating the centennial also provides an opportunity to address ongoing issues of racial equity and justice, making this proclamation particularly relevant in contemporary discussions surrounding race and history in Oklahoma. The declaration reinforces the importance of remembering and acknowledging the contributions and challenges faced by Black Oklahomans over the past century.