Oklahoma Community Celebrates Black History Month with Faith and Resilience

Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church in Checotah hosts event honoring the determination of Black settlers who built thriving communities across the state.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 4:08pm

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On the closing days of Black History Month, the Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church in Checotah, Oklahoma hosted a community gathering to remember the history and legacy of Black-founded towns like Boley. The program featured hymns, speeches, and reflections on how faith, education, and unity allowed Black residents to build successful communities in the early 20th century, despite facing limited opportunities. Alma Harper of the Warrior School Restoration organization coordinated the event, which aimed to honor the perseverance of those who lived that history and recognize how their spirit of determination continues to inspire today.

Why it matters

This event highlights how grassroots community efforts are working to preserve the history and heritage of Oklahoma's historic all-Black towns, which served as hubs of Black entrepreneurship, education, and civic life during a time of limited opportunities. By remembering the faith and resilience that allowed these communities to thrive, the program aims to inspire continued pride and empowerment among local Black residents.

The details

The program at Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church included singing the Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a keynote speech by Henrietta Hicks reflecting on the determination of Black settlers who built towns like Boley, and a rendition of the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome." After the formal program, the gathering moved to the church cafeteria for a community lunch featuring home-cooked dishes. The event was organized by Alma Harper, president of the Warrior School Restoration organization, as a way to commemorate Black History Month and the enduring legacy of Oklahoma's historic all-Black towns.

  • The event took place on February 28, 2026, during the closing days of Black History Month.
  • Boley, one of the historic all-Black towns discussed, was founded in 1903.

The players

Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church

A small rural church in Checotah, Oklahoma that hosted the Black History Month commemoration event.

Alma Harper

The president of the Warrior School Restoration organization who coordinated the event at Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church.

Henrietta Hicks

The keynote speaker at the event, who reflected on the determination and faith of Black settlers who built thriving communities in Oklahoma in the early 20th century.

Boley

One of the most successful of Oklahoma's historic all-Black towns, founded in 1903 and known for its thriving commercial district and institutions that served families throughout the region.

Warrior School Restoration

The community organization that coordinated the Black History Month event at Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church.

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What they’re saying

“They believed in themselves and in each other. What they built came from faith, determination and unity.”

— Henrietta Hicks, Keynote Speaker

“The history is still here, and so is the strength.”

— Henrietta Hicks, Keynote Speaker

What’s next

The annual Boley Rodeo, which draws visitors from across the state, continues to celebrate the legacy of Oklahoma's historic all-Black towns.

The takeaway

This event demonstrates how grassroots community efforts are working to preserve the inspiring history and enduring spirit of Oklahoma's historic all-Black towns, which were built through the faith, determination, and unity of Black settlers who refused to let limited opportunities define their future.