Newsletters

June 26, 2006

Written by: Lenora A. Cooks-Hudson,Chapter President/National Board

We have a special June newsletter in Adobe PDF format.  Click the link below to download the file.  Download the June 2006 newsletter.
 

Black History Program

 March 10, 2006

Written by: Lenora A. Cooks-Hudson,Chapter President/National Board

 Photography by: Etta K. Thomas and Bill Broiles (see photos at end of article)

 The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice served as host for the Black History Program held February 24, 2006 at Hillside Community Corrections Center, Oklahoma City, OK.   Lenora A. Cooks-Hudson, Chapter President served as mistress of ceremony for the program.

 The theme was entitled:  A Salute to Our Heritage, “When will the color of our skin no longer define our character?”

 Director Jones welcomed those in attendance to the program.  He stated that he agreed with the statement made by Morgan Freeman stating Black History shouldn’t be recognized for a brief period of one month out of the year but it should be a life long, everyday celebration based on the significant and importance of the event.  He also gave a brief history test to all that he came in contact with. One question he asked was:  Who is an African American nationally known from Oklahoma?

 The keynote speaker was the Honorable Senator Connie Johnson, who spoke about the importance of Black History, not just celebrating during the designated month of February but everyday, all year long.  She stated our children needed to know their history and the importance of continuing for stand for justice for all mankind.  She encouraged everyone eighteen years and older who has not registered to vote to do so because one of the greatest impact for change is through the voting process.  She further stated that jurors are picked from those registered to vote.

 Senator Johnson, also shared legislative issues that were a great concern to her, for example, one being benefits for grandparents raising their grandchildren. 

The music was provided by the Northeast High School choir, under the direction of music teacher Orlando Smith, rendered several gospel songs, as well as the Black National Anthem.

 Some of our DOC Executive staff participated in a skit entitled:  “Who Am I?”  They portrayed famous African Americans and challenged the audience was to guess who they were.  The skits were very educational, informative and energizing.  District Supervisor Ruby Jones-Cooper won the prize for reciting her role in the skit. Charlotte Forh, Training Officer won the “Who Am I” trivia quiz prize for getting the most answers correct.

 President Lenora Hudson read an inspirational reading entitled:  “GOD why did you make me Black?”

 There were great door prizes throughout the program and a superb lunch was served immediately following the program, while listening to an array of music played by officers Leon Hawkins and Edwin Barchue.

 Special Guests:  Board of Corrections Members, City Councilwoman Willa Johnson, The Honorable Connie Johnson, Oklahoma Department of Corrections Executive Staff, Wayne Thompson, All of Us or None, Orlando Smith and the NE High School choir and Rev. and Mrs. Norman Barber.

I would like to personally thank everyone who played a part in making the program a success.  I continue to hear how much everyone enjoyed the program. 

 Special thanks to:  Director Jones, Mr. Ted Logan, Deputy Director Reginald Hines, Ruby Jones-Cooper, Joyce Jackson, Pam Ramsey, Orlando Smith and the North East choir, Shirley Curry, Samuel Terry, Stella Ezugha, Jimmy Green, Leroy Young, Josie Young, Glenroy Hines, Carolyn Rhone, Charlotte Forh, Etta Thomas, Pam Anderson, Sharon Smith, Ruth Littlejohn, Shirley Silvey, Kim Rotelli, Betty Nicholson, Elvin Baum, Peggy Carter, Leslie Fitzhugh, Ed Evans, Phyllis Adams, Hillside Community Corrections Staff and Offenders.

 Lenora A. Cooks-Hudson,

Chapter President/National Board

 Photo Gallery
(click each thumbnail to view full-size photo) 

 

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