Oklahoma Community Leaders
Hear and learn from the oral histories of community leaders throughout the state of Oklahoma and how their work affected the lives of their fellow citizens.
Learn From These Influential Oklahomans
Ann Bartlett
Former First Lady of OklahomaAnn served the state of Oklahoma alongside her husband, Dewey Bartlett.
Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear
Principal Chief of the Osage NationChief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Principal Chief of the Osage Native American Nation, shares his experiences as chief, the history of the Osage Nation, the impact of The Reign of Terror, and his experiences during the filming of the movie Killers of the Flower Moon.
David Bernstein
Community LeaderA life dedicated to the service of those in need has made him a valued community leader.
Dean VanTrease
Tulsa Community CollegeOver three decades of leadership at Tulsa Community College brought access to public education and national recognition.
Dr. G. Calvin McCutchen
Mount Zion Baptist ChurchA leading voice for racial justice and pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church for 50 years.
Gloria Dialectic
Gloria Dialectic – Social WorkerShe dedicated her career to helping society's most vulnerable citizens.
J. Blake Wade
Community Leader & PromoterOne of Oklahoma's biggest proponents of celebrating our great state's history and culture.
Jenny Brouse
Business Owner / Community LeaderFrom Russian to Tulsa. Jenny and her son, Brian, tell the family's immigration story.
Jim Rodgers
Founder of Tulsa Spine and Specialty Hospital, Owner of Cain's BallroomA great surgeon, a good father, and a man whose indelible legacy includes revitalizing the legendary Cain's Ballroom and founding one of Oklahoma's most successful physician-owned hospitals.
Julius Pegues
First Black Varsity Basketball Player at Pittsburgh University, USAF Weather Forecaster, FAA Advisor, ActivistJulius Pegues was best known for his work to memorialize Tulsa’s 1921 Race Massacre and the history and culture of Black Tulsans through the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, with his efforts laying the groundwork for the Greenwood Rising History Center.
Lee Allan Smith
Community Leader & PromoterOklahoma's "Master of Ceremonies."
Loretta Young Jackson
Community LeaderLorettea holds many honors, but her greatest work lies in the discovery and restoration of the Verden Separate School.
Nancy Feldman
Educator and Civic LeaderHer legacy will long be remembered in the city of Tulsa.
Nancy Sevenoaks
Daughter of James C. Leake, Sr., OK Television and Radio PioneerNancy Sevenoaks, daughter of Oklahoma broadcast television pioneer James C. Leake, tells the story of her father's incredible life and legacy.
Norma Eagleton
Public Official and LawyerA pioneering public official and true servant to her community and fellow citizens.
Paul Thornbrugh
Politician and BusinessmanKnown as "Mr. Republican," Paul was a businessman, patriot, public servant, politician, and -- most proudly -- a family man.
Ray Feldman
Community LeaderA lover of the law and human rights, anthropology, nature, and -- most of all -- his wife Nancy.
Rev. Dr. John B. Wolf
Unitarian MinisterAs a senior minister at All Souls Unitarian Church, he used his pulpit to promote civil rights for minorities, women, and children.
Sid Patterson
Up With TreesHis legacy lives on in Tulsa's buildings, in its road infrastructure, and in the "Up with Trees" program.
Tom Clark
President & CEO, TulsairTom's business skills and successes gave him the opportunity to make a lasting impact in Tulsa.
Become a Sponsor of Our Mission
By becoming an official sponsor, you help us preserve Oklahoma’s history while creating a rich and fulfilling education for the next generation of Oklahoma’s students.