African Americans in Oklahoma facts for kids
Elderly African American Sharecroppers in 1914
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| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 289,961 |
African Americans have a long and important history in Oklahoma. Today, about 7.8% of people living in Oklahoma are Black. African Americans first came to Oklahoma during a difficult time called the Trail of Tears. Many were forced to come as enslaved people. However, about 500 free African Americans also chose to move there to escape slavery in other places.
Throughout history, Black people in Oklahoma have faced unfair treatment. A sad example is the Tulsa race massacre. This event targeted the successful African American community in Tulsa's Greenwood District.
All-Black Towns in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is special because it once had many towns built and run entirely by African Americans. These towns were places where Black people could live and work freely. Today, thirteen of these historic towns still exist.
Here is a list of the remaining all-Black towns in Oklahoma:
- Brooksville
- Boley
- Clearview
- Grayson
- IXL
- Langston
- Lima
- Redbird
- Rentiesville
- Summit
- Taft
- Tatums
- Tullahassee
- Vernon
Important African Americans from Oklahoma
Many notable African Americans have lived in Oklahoma and made important contributions.
- Green Currin: He was the first African American to serve in the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature. This was a very important step for Black representation.
- Lelia Foley: She was the first Black female mayor in the entire United States. This was a huge achievement for women and African Americans in politics.
- A. C. Hamlin: He was one of the first African Americans to serve in the Oklahoma legislature.
- Edward P. McCabe: He was a well-known politician who worked to create opportunities for African Americans in Oklahoma.
