Oklahoma City Remembers Bombing Victims 29 Years Later
On Friday, Oklahomans will gather at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to mark 29 years since the Murrah Building bombing, an act of homegrown terrorism that claimed 168 lives, including 19 children. The “Ceremony on Sacred Soil” aims to honor those who perished, survivors, and all impacted by this tragic event in American history. Attendees will include families of the victims, first responders, and citizens united in remembrance. Kari Watkins of the Memorial emphasized the importance of recognizing this site as hallowed ground pivotal to both city and national history. Following the ceremony, a private reception for families and survivors will be held at the museum.
Source: Oklahoma City to remember victims of bombing 29 years later
Tulsa, Cherokee Nation Nominated for Global Film & TV Awards
Tulsa’s film office and the Cherokee Nation’s Cherokee Film have garnered nominations at the Global Production Awards (GPAs), with a total of four nods between them. Tulsa is in the running for the “City of Film” award, while Cherokee Film competes against industry giants like Universal and Warner Brothers in three categories. Jennifer Loren, Senior Director of Cherokee Film, expressed both shock and excitement about their multiple nominations. The recognition places them on a global stage, potentially attracting more filming to Oklahoma. The awards ceremony is set for May 20 in Cannes, France.
Source: Tulsa, Cherokee Nation nominated for global film & TV awards
Housing 101 Hosted by Tulsa Health Department
The Tulsa Health Department, in collaboration with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, is hosting a free Housing 101 workshop on April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the North Regional Health and Wellness Center. Limited to the first 150 registrants with a virtual attendance option available, this event aims to educate landlords and renters about their rights and responsibilities under housing laws. Topics include minimum safety standards for housing, landlord-tenant relations, and anti-discrimination protections under the Fair Housing Act. The session will offer insights into legal aspects of housing standards alongside an opportunity for questions with experts from THD and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.
Source: Tulsa Health Department Hosts Housing 101 – Tulsa Health Department
Health Fair in Tulsa to Focus on Women’s Health
A health fair aimed at enhancing the well-being of women and children will be held in Tulsa this weekend. The event, organized by the Eastern Oklahoma Black Nurses Association, seeks to boost health literacy and bridge community members with available resources. A significant emphasis is placed on addressing health disparities among people of color and promoting child vaccinations, partnering with local institutions for immunization efforts. Additionally, discussions will include tackling maternal child health issues and exploring reasons behind high mortality rates among African American women post-childbirth. The fair offers free entry and features speakers, vendors, and vaccination services on April 20 at Lacy Park.
Source: Free Health Fair In Tulsa To Focus On Improving Women’s Health
Oklahoma Science Museum Temporarily Closes Planetarium Ahead of New Opening
The Science Museum Oklahoma in Oklahoma City announced the temporary closure of its planetarium as it prepares for the launch of the new Love’s Planetarium set to open in early fall. The current facility will close after April 21, making way for an upgrade that includes optical and digital projectors, high-intensity LEDs, and fiber optic equipment, promising visitors a realistic view of the Milky Way with 8 million stars among other celestial sights. During this hiatus, special laser light shows will be available from May 9 through June 15.
Source: Oklahoma Science Museum to close planetarium temporarily ahead of the new opening
Tulsa Nonprofit Funds Alzheimer’s Research to Find Cure
On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, it was reported that the Alzheimer’s Association had received over $100 million in funding for research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease last year. Among the contributors is the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation of Tulsa, led by President Bill Major. The foundation has donated $5 million to hire top researchers nationwide to advance Alzheimer’s and dementia science. This effort comes as more than seven million people live with Alzheimer’s, highlighting the urgent need for a cure and support for affected families. The association offers a 24-hour helpline at 1-800-272-3900 for those needing assistance.
Source: Tulsa Nonprofit Helps Fund Alzheimer’s Disease Research In Efforts To Find Cure
Theatre Tulsa Presents ‘Once on This Island’
Theatre Tulsa is set to showcase the Tony Award-winning musical “Once on This Island,” a vibrant tale inspired by Rosa Guy’s novel and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” It narrates the story of Ti Moune, a girl from the Caribbean Sea island divided between peasants and wealthy grands hommes. The plot thickens when deities test if love can triumph over death, following Ti Moune’s journey of star-crossed love, prejudice, and self-sacrifice. Directed by Obum Ukabam, this production emphasizes themes of societal division overcome by hope and unity. Featuring diverse casting that celebrates various cultures and talents within Tulsa, it promises an authentic representation mingling African, European, Hispanic, Native American influences reflective of both the Caribbean setting and Tulsa’s own demographic mosaic.
Source: Theatre Tulsa to present musical ‘Once on This Island’
3 Oklahoma Tribes Discuss Progress with Tulsa Business Leaders
Tribal leaders from the Cherokee, Osage, and Muscogee Nations discussed their contributions to Tulsa’s local economy at a Regional Chamber of Commerce luncheon. They emphasized collaboration and shared initiatives such as expanding broadband access and enhancing power supply without increasing electricity bills, leveraging tribal resources, and federal funding. The discussion highlighted the significance of unity between Oklahoma’s state government and the Tribes for regional development. This meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Green Country economically through strategic partnerships and infrastructure improvements.
Source: 3 Oklahoma Tribes speak with Tulsa business leaders about the progress made on local economy
Business Strategy: Relief Program to Improve OKC Storefronts
The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City is utilizing the last of the city’s federal ARPA funds to support small businesses through the Storefront Improvement Program. This initiative offers up to $25,000 in reimbursements for exterior renovations such as windows, signage, and paint jobs. To qualify, businesses must have been operational before April 2022 and be either minority-owned or located in a low-income area. The program aims not only to enhance business curb appeal but also stimulate local economic activity and inspire community-wide improvements. With a history of successful transformations from previous rounds, The Alliance encourages eligible businesses to apply and share this opportunity within their networks.
Source: Business Strategy: Relief program will improve storefronts across OKC Journal Record
Echo Impact Launches to Empower Underrepresented Communities in OKC
Echo, founded by Christian Kanady in 2010, announced the launch of Echo Impact under the leadership of Sandino Thompson. With over 20 years of experience in managing multimillion-dollar construction projects and community development initiatives, Thompson is set to steer Echo Impact’s investment strategy towards intertwining social and financial returns. The initiative aims to foster economic growth and innovation in overlooked communities, particularly focusing on inclusive development amidst Oklahoma City’s booming renaissance. Echo Impact seeks to address economic disparities while promoting sustainable business ventures within underrepresented neighborhoods, leveraging Thompson’s extensive background and network for transformative change.
Downtown Tulsa Visitor Traffic Tops Pre-COVID Record
The Downtown Tulsa Partnership’s annual report revealed that downtown Tulsa saw a record-breaking 2.15 million visitors last year, surpassing the previous high set in 2019 before the pandemic. CEO Brian Kurtz highlighted this achievement as part of a significant year for downtown development and activity, including the popular First Friday Art Crawl events which draw large crowds monthly. The report also delves into trends such as workplace return rates stabilizing post-pandemic and challenges like affordable housing and revitalizing aging office spaces. Established in 2021, the Downtown Tulsa Partnership aims to foster a thriving downtown area through advocacy and various initiatives targeting improvements in business, living conditions, and community engagement.
Source: Downtown Tulsa visitor traffic surpasses pre-COVID-19 record
Organizations Seek Solutions to Tulsa Housing Shortage
A recent housing assessment highlighted Tulsa’s urgent need for 4,000 new housing units as part of a broader requirement for nearly 13,000 homes over the next decade. PartnerTulsa is actively addressing this shortage with strategies that include boosting development funding and policy reforms at various government levels. The focus is on creating affordable housing options across the city to enhance community well-being and economic growth. Kian Kamas of PartnerTulsa emphasizes the crucial role of stable, affordable housing in educational success and job performance, underscoring its significance in tackling homelessness and housing insecurity issues within Tulsa.
Source: Local Organizations Working To Find Solutions To Housing Shortage In Tulsa
Oklahoma City Residents Question Legends Tower Plan
Scot Matteson proposes building America’s tallest tower, the Legends Tower, in Oklahoma City, aiming to reach 1,907 feet and eclipse other structures including New York’s One World Trade Center. This ambitious project has sparked both excitement and skepticism among locals due to its unconventional location and concerns over weather resilience. Despite doubts, architect Rob Budetti assures a safe design with features like thick concrete walls and tornado-resistant windows. The city’s planning commission advised removing height restrictions for this $1.6 billion development that also includes amenities like a lagoon and boardwalk amid entertainment venues.
Source: Oklahoma City residents question the planned Legends Tower
St. Anthony Hospital President Remembers Oklahoma City Bombing Response
On the 29th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Tammy Powell, now president of SSM Health Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, reflects on her experience as a nursing manager during the tragedy. On April 19, 1995, she played a crucial role in coordinating communication between hospitals and assisting victims’ families. Despite significant challenges, including damaged hospital infrastructure, Powell remembers the overwhelming support from medical professionals across Oklahoma City. Her recollection highlights the emergence of “the Oklahoma Standard,” emphasizing community resilience and readiness to respond to future disasters with unwavering solidarity and compassion.
Source: Saint Anthony Hospital President Remembers Response To Oklahoma City Bombing
$150M Mental Health Hospital Breaks Ground at OSU-OKC
Sen. Roger Thompson, ODMHSAS Commissioner Allie Friesen, Cullen Sweeney, and U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice recently broke ground on the Donahue Behavioral Center at OSU-OKC, a new $150 million mental health hospital designed to replace the Griffin Memorial Center. Celebrated a year after Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center’s groundbreaking at OSU-Tulsa, this facility aims to significantly improve mental health care in Oklahoma with over 300 beds including adolescent spaces and an urgent recovery center for immediate crises. Set to open by 2026, it addresses Oklahoma’s high rate of mental illness by expanding access to quality psychiatric care through collaboration between ODMHSAS and OSU under President Dr. Kayse Shrum’s strategic plan emphasizing total wellness and advanced mental health resources statewide.
Source: $150 million mental health hospital breaks ground on OSU-OKC campus
