For immediate release: Friday, January 27, 2023
Contact: Jarred Smith - jsmith@oeta.tv
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - The OETA weekly news program, The Oklahoma News Report, is proud to announce a limited, yearlong series of reports titled “Black Frontier Towns” that will begin at the start of Black History Month and continue for one year.
These reports will highlight the 13 historical black towns across the state. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, “the All-Black towns of Oklahoma represent a distinctive chapter in American history. Nowhere else, neither in the Deep South nor in the Far West, did so many African American men and women come together to create, occupy, and govern their own communities. From 1865 to 1920 African Americans created more than fifty identifiable towns and settlements, some of short duration and some still existing at the beginning of the twenty-first century”.
Today, 13 of the historic towns remain. The Oklahoma News Report decided to highlight these communities after the Historical Society hosted the First Annual Conference of Mayors from the Black towns in 2022. Each segment will tell the history and struggles of the town as well as a look at the unique ways they have found to celebrate their heritage.
"We are thrilled to launch this series and shine a spotlight on the rich history and cultural heritage of these 13 Black Frontier Towns in Oklahoma. These towns represent a one-of-a-kind chapter in Oklahoma’s and the nation’s history, and we are honored to share their stories with our viewers. We hope this series will bring awareness to the importance of preserving and celebrating these communities." says Susan Cadot, VP of Production at OETA.
The first report will feature Rentiesville, Oklahoma and will air on February 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 pm on OETA. From that point on a new town will be featured on the Oklahoma News Report the first Friday of every month, culminating in February of 2024 which will begin and end with the final two towns.
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About The Oklahoma News Report
The Oklahoma News Report is a weekly in-depth news program that explores current news and issues affecting all Oklahomans, featuring topical information and profound stories that provide context and meaning to educate and engage every citizen across the state.
About OETA
OETA provides essential educational content and services that inform, inspire, and connect Oklahomans to ideas and information that enrich our quality of life. We do this by consistently engaging Oklahomans with educational and public television programming, providing educational training and curriculum, outreach initiatives and online features that collectively encourage lifelong learning. For more information about education curriculum and programs, local productions, digital television, community resources and show schedules explore OETA.tv.