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Volume 58, Issue 8 August 2020 Read us daily at www.city-sentinel.com Ten Cents

Page 4 Page 5 Page 9 Page 12 Two tribes say state can’t invalidate their compacts Teacher union attacks aid to low-income and minority students OKC VA: “Wear it for Them!” face mask campaign Stroll the Paseo Arts District on First Friday, Aug. 7 Dream of Bella SPCA COMMENTARY Nonprofit Veterinary Doing some heavy lifting: Commuting a sentence, and ending the death penalty Hospital becomes a Parole Board to commute the United States. death sentence that has hung To restate and update it: For reality over his head since 2002. all crimes, there have been Dale Baich, the federal pub- 2,645 exonerations in Ameri- By Darla Shelden pets. Through Bella, over one lic defender from Arizona ca since 1989. Since 1973, 170 City Sentinel Reporter million dollars have been giv- who has been legal counsel to wrongfully convicted prison- en in veterinary assistance Jones, said last summer: “We ers have been exonerated from Bella SPCA (Society for the and close to 12,000 animals have a heavy lift. Many more death row. Prevention of Cruelty to Ani- have been adopted into loving have since that night shown There have been 36 total ex- mals) is now realizing a long- homes. This painting by Catlick Studios of Bel- up in varied ways to share the onerations in Oklahoma. Ten time dream of its co-founders “At Bella, we believe every la, Eric McCune’s and Wes Shaw’s first load seeking Justice for Julius. of Oklahoma’s exonerations Eric McCune and his husband animal deserves to receive the adopted rescue and the organization’s The effort must succeed so have emerged from Oklaho- Wes Shaw. On July 6, the or- best possible care regardless namesake, will hang on the wall of the that Oklahoma avoids an awful ma’s death row. ganization announced the soft of the owner’s ability to pay,” new Bella SPCA Nonprofit Veterinary reckoning in the execution of Oklahoma’s problems with opening of the Bella SPCA McCune said. Hospital. Facebook photo. an innocent man. executions are well-known, Nonprofit Veterinary Hospi- That same day, Matt Good- posted on Facebook. By Patrick B. McGuigan Vanessa Plotkin, who is Di- thoroughly documented, ratio- tal, at 9101 S. Western, serv- win, Bella SPCA executive di- “We are so excited,” Good- Publisher rector of Post Conviction Liti- nally stated and amply dem- ing the Oklahoma City metro rector, announced the facil- win declared. “Today I’m gation for the Innocence Proj- onstrated. They are system- area. ity’s soft opening in a video standing in front of our brand Just 13 months ago, the two ect, also spoke at the June 2019 ic, rooted in not only past and That morning, McCune, new nonprofit veterinary hos- attorneys leading efforts to annual dinner of the Oklaho- proposed “protocols” for kill- Bella SPCA president, posted pital at 9101 S. Western, #120. save the life of Julius Jones – ma Coalition to Abolish the ing those convicted, but in the on Facebook, “Today is a day I “There is still work to be who I do not believe commit- Death Penalty (OK-CADP). processes of investigation and will never forget. For the first done, and COVID has present- ted an act of murder in 1999 – She shared shocking data pm the conduct of trials before time in 14 years Bella SPCA ed extreme challenges, but we unveiled their drive to encour- wrongful convictions and sub- conviction. began providing full veteri- didn’t want to wait any longer age the Oklahoma Pardon & sequent exonerations in the The Oklahoma Death Pen- nary care for the animals of before opening our doors to alty Review Commis- Oklahoma at its very own help animals and people. The sion completed its clinic. Wes and I always had need is now greater than ever. work in 2017. this in mind when we start- “We understand how much Those who actu- ed Bella but never knew if it your pet means to you and we ally study the Okla- would actually happen. also understand that financial homa Death Penalty “I won’t lie and say I am not resources can be limited. The Review Commission’s as proud as hell,” he added. central mission of our work work can not possibly McCune went on to credit his is to remove financial road- believe it is wise to re- team saying, “Matthew, Alicia, blocks to care, helping you sume using the death Misty, and so many others… maintain life-long bonds with chamber at McAles- you did it!” On July 6, Matt Goodwin, Bella SPCA your pets. ter. It is bad public Since 2006, the Bella Foun- executive director, along with little Truffles, announced on Facebook the “We offer a two-tier pricing policy to resume ex- dation has been a lifeline of soft opening of the new Bella SPCA system based on income qual- ecutions in Oklahoma hope, support and care for the Nonprofit Veterinary Hospital. Face- continued on page 2 continued on page 6 people of Oklahoma and their book video screenshot. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt begins 2020 Paseo Arts Festival canceled due to work on state-tribal jurisdictional coronavirus pandemic By Darla Shelden issues in wake of ‘McGirt’ City Sentinel Reporter By Ray Carter Choctaw, and Seminole na- Center for Independent tions. The cumulative effect of Due to the COVID-19 pan- Journalism the ruling could impact near- demic, the Paseo Arts Asso- ly half the state of Oklahoma, ciation (PAA) has announced To address state-tribal juris- where 1.8 million people reside, their decision to cancel the dictional issues created by a re- including the city of Tulsa. 2020 Paseo Arts Festival, which cent U.S. Supreme Court rul- Because the ‘McGirt’ deci- had been rescheduled to Labor ing, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced sion declared the Muscogee Day Weekend, Sept. 5 - 7. Monday (Jan. 20) the formation (Creek) Nation’s reservation “After careful consideration of the Oklahoma Commission boundaries were never formal- and exploring the ways we on Cooperative Sovereignty. ly disestablished and that terri- could host an event safely, we The group will study and rec- tory remains “Indian Country,” have decided that cancelation ommend changes to state or the decision is expected to also is the best choice in the inter- federal law required due to re- expand tribal government au- est of keeping our community cent U.S. Supreme Court deci- thority in a wide range of ar- safe,” said PAA Executive Di- sions in’ McGirt v. Oklahoma’ eas, including regulations and rector Amanda Bleakley. and ‘Sharp v. Murphy.’ taxation. “We are devastated to share “We know that there is a lot Gov. Kevin Stitt Public statements indicate this news. Every year we look of unpredictability right now,” Court found certain crimes in- tribal leaders hold that view. forward to connecting with our Stitt said. “We are committed volving American Indians on Stitt’s announcement came a community and celebrating the to working with all Oklaho- tribal land in Oklahoma must few days after Attorney Gener- arts through this festival. mans, Tribal and non-Tribal, to be prosecuted in federal, not al Mike Hunter claimed to have “We know this is an enor- In response to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), the 2020 Paseo Arts Festi- val has been canceled, which had been rescheduled to take place on Labor Day create a practical and sustain- state, court. While the decision separately reached an agree- mous disappointment to our Weekend. Photo by Paige Powell. able path forward. This com- directly affected land held by ment with leaders of the five artists, performers, vendors, mission is the first step.” the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, tribal nations on proposed fed- volunteers and the public, but The money raised through events provided to the commu- In its recent ruling in ‘McGirt it is expected to equally apply eral legislation to address Mc- safety and health is our top pri- beverage and merchandise nity year-round. v. Oklahoma,’ the U.S. Supreme to the Cherokee, Chickasaw, continued on page 7 ority.” sales each year directly sup- The PAA is committed to The Paseo Arts Festival is ports the mission of the 501(c)3 finding other ways to enrich, the largest annual fundraiser non-profit, and is used to pro- educate and inspire the public OU School of Dance for the Paseo Arts Association. duce Paseo programs and continued on page 2 announces two new endowed scholarships honoring Maria A note to advertisers and potential advertisers and Marjorie Tallchief Here is The City Sentinel print edition production schedule By Darla Shelden tributed to dance in the state of for next 4 months. City Sentinel Reporter Oklahoma and beyond. September 2020 edition The scholarships will be Ad space reservation: Tuesday, Aug. 25 The University of Oklahoma awarded annually to full-time Ad content deadline: Thursday, Aug. 26 School of Dance has established OU School of Dance students two new endowed scholarship maintaining a required grade October 2020 edition accounts in the support of dance point average. Priority consider- Ad space reservation: Tuesday, Sep. 22 majors - The Maria Tallchief ation will be given to those stu- Ad content deadline: Thursday, Aug. 24 Endowed Scholarship and The dents of American Indian back- The University of Oklahoma School of Dance has announced two new November 2020 edition Marjorie Tallchief Endowed grounds and/or students with endowed scholarship accounts in the Ad space reservation: Tuesday, Oct. 27 Scholarship. demonstrated financial need. support of dance majors - The Maria Ad content deadline: Thursday, Oct. 29 These scholarships are “It is entirely appropriate that Tallchief (pictured) Endowed Schol- named in honor of the Tallchief Maria Tallchief and Marjorie arship and The Marjorie Tallchief En- December 2020 edition dowed Scholarship. Photo provided. sisters, two members of the Tallchief are being honored by Ad space reservation: Monday, Nov. 23 Osage Nation who created dis- the School of Dance through the Family College of Fine Arts. Ad content deadline: Wednesday, Nov. 25 tinguished careers in the dance establishment of these schol- “Their influence as artists in world during the 20th century. arships,” said Mary Margaret the international world of dance Their legacies have greatly con- Holt, dean of the Weitzenhoffer continued on page 2 Page 2 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 NEWS See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter OU School of Dance announces two new endowed scholarships honoring Maria and Marjorie Tallchief

continued from page 1 Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine, who creat- cannot be overstated, and, ed several roles for her, includ- hopefully, these scholarships ing the title role in his produc- The Marjorie Tallchief (pictured) En- will continue their already stel- tion of The Firebird. dowed Scholarship and The Maria Dream of Bella SPCA Nonprofit lar legacy by inspiring and sup- Maria was the first Sugar- Tallchief Endowed Scholarship have porting generations of aspiring plum Fairy in the premiere of been established by the OU School of Dance in support of dance majors. Veterinary Hospital becomes a young dancers.” his production of The Nutcra- Photos provided. The Tallchief sisters are cker in 1954. the OU School of Dance is cel- two of the five women known Marjorie Tallchief has ebrating the lives and legacies reality as The Five Moons – five re- danced with several world-re- of Maria and Marjorie Tallchief nowned American Indian bal- nowned companies through- continued from page 1 through these scholarships. lerinas born or raised in Okla- out her career, including Ballet “It is vitally important that a homa who each went on to have Theatre (now known as Amer- ifications that will be posted pathway is set in motion to en- remarkable performing careers ican Ballet Theatre), the Ballet online soon. This week we courage young artists from un- in the United States and abroad. Russe de Monte Carlo, the Bal- will be taking appointments derrepresented backgrounds to The Five Moons, which in- let de Marquis de Cuevas, and for wellness exams, vaccines, follow in the footsteps of these clude the Tallchief sisters, Harkness Ballet. She was the heartworm test and preven- two Osage ballerinas.” Yvonne Chouteau, Moscylene first Native American dancer to tion, flea and tick prevention Originally founded in 1963 by Larkin, and Rosella Hightow- become the première danseuse and dermatology.” former Ballet Russe de Monte er, have been honored in a mu- étoile at the esteemed Paris Op- Surgery and other extended Carlo principal dancers Yvonne ral in the rotunda of the Okla- era Ballet. services will be available in Chouteau and Miguel Terekhov, homa State Capitol by Chicka- Tallchief served as the direc- the near future, according to the OU School of Dance is home saw painter Mike Larsen titled tor of dance at the Harid Con- Goodwin. to one of the leading programs Flight of Spirit and in a bronze servatory in Boca Raton, Flori- In a recent interview on in the nation for training in bal- sculpture installation in Tulsa da, from 1989 to 1993, and was The Bella Cast, McCune dis- let and modern techniques. Un- by Oklahoma artist Gary Hen- presented with a distinguished cussed with Goodwin how his dergraduate and graduate dance Co-founders of Bella SPCA, Eric McCune (left) and Wes Shaw with one of their son titled The Five Moons. service award from OU in 1992. passion for animals led to the pups, Becca. Photo provided. majors, along with general edu- Maria Tallchief, considered She is the last surviving mem- creation of the Bella Founda- cation students, total approxi- abandoned animals have even that the people that need us to be America’s first prima bal- ber of the Five Moons and re- tion and ultimately the new mately 1,000 enrollees in dance fewer options when brought will need us even more now. lerina, danced with the famed sides in Boca Raton, Florida. veterinary hospital. classes per semester. Classes into a clinic or veterinary of- So, if you can give, please do- Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in Both of the Tallchief sis- “The goal for Wes and I was are held in the School’s state-of- fice with no owner to pay for nate. If you can’t give, please the 1940s. She was a principal ters have been inducted into that eventually Bella would the-art facilities in the Donald their care. share our story so that others dancer with the New York City the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for not only provide funding for W. Reynolds Performing Arts The organization has wel- can hear what we’re going to their contribu- veterinary care but also pro- Center. The School of Dance is comed Dr. Alisha Preno do.” tions to the visu- vide the care ourselves,” Mc- comprised of two active per- aboard to help launch the Bel- An anonymous donor has al and perform- Cune explained. “It’s a natu- forming companies, Oklahoma la SPCA Nonprofit Veterinary pledged a $25,000 matching ing arts in the ral evolution and progression Festival Ballet and Contempo- Hospital. Alisha comes to Bel- gift to jumpstart the Bella state of Oklaho- for the organization to create rary Dance Oklahoma, both of la from the OSU College of SPCA Veterinary Hospital. In ma. and maintain a low cost / no which execute works from the Veterinary Medicine class of addition, this special support- Warren Que- cost veterinary hospital here national repertoire as well as a 2015, with 5 years of compara- er has agreed to match any ton, tribal liai- in Oklahoma. variety of original works. tive medicine at the The Uni- gift of any size up to $25,000. son for the OU “Every year thousands of versity of Oklahoma. “Every dollar counts,” Mc- Office of Diver- For more information or animals are euthanized or In order to help the Bella Cune said. “Please help us save sity, Equity and to contribute to the Tallchief sent home to die because the Originally founded in 1963, the OU School of Dance is SPCA’s nonprofit Veterinary a life. Donate today and know Inclusion said, funds, contact the OU School of people who love them can- home to one of the leading programs in the nation for Hospital succeed, Eric, Wes that your donation is helping a “It is absolutely Dance at 405-325-4051. To learn not financially absorb the cost training in ballet and modern techniques. Facebook and Matt are asking for the little heart beat stronger.” photo. wonderful that more, visit dance.ou.edu. of veterinary care. Stray and public’s help. To donate directly to the Eric said, “Our mission has Bella SPCA Veterinary Hospi- always been to make sure that tal and for news regarding the people and their pets can stay upcoming grand opening, vis- together regardless of financ- it bellaspca.org/bella-vet, the es and this clinic will do that Bella SPCA Facebook page, or even more. But we need your call 405-286-2827. help to do it. We have a goal of Goodwin said, “There will $75,000. be much more information “I know that things are un- coming online. We’d love to certain and asking for you to get you helped out and meet give right now is a big thing your animals. We look for- for us to do. But we also know ward to seeing you soon.” All Black Lives Matter — From The City Sentinel

“He made everyone feel like they were the best player around. I felt like at the time that I was the real deal, the baddest run- ning back in the country. Come to find out, he did that with everybody. But he recognized that and saw that in you and made you believe it. He cared for you.” – Former player Josh Norman (quoted in The Oklahoman), remembering former University of Okla- homa Coach John Blake, who died this week at the Screenshot from NewsOn6 (CBS Tul- age of 59. sa): Former OU Coach John Blake.

“I understand there is racism within the Unit- ed States, but I’ve never made it a big part of my life. I have dealt with it in my family, in my life, in my profession. I’ve never set it up as a barrier, rec- ognized it, but I’ve had some great influences in my life. Had a family that’s always taught me, things like that are going to happen, but I’ve never been one to put it on my shoulder and carry it with me.” – Former OSU Coach Bob Simmons, in a June 2020 interview with Berry Sports Illustrated Photo: Joel Sartore, 1999 Tramel of The Oklahoman Page 3 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 OPINION/GOVERNMENT See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter The City Sentinel Endorsements All Black Lives Matter Fifth Congressional District, Republican Runoff: — From The City Sentinel For Stephanie Bice The City Sentinel an experienced public servant strong multi-candidate field in Runoff Endorsement with a solid conservative re- the June 30 primary. “I am a woman who cord, is the candidate best po- Her opponent has sought came from the cotton On Aug. 25, Republicans in sitioned to make the case for a public office before, and was fields of the South. From Oklahoma’s Fifth Congres- change. defeated. There is no dishonor there I was promoted to sional District must discern Senator Bice is pro-life, in that, but it should be kept in the washtub. From there I whether or not to nominate a supporter of the Second mind to answer the question was promoted to the cook their best option to present a Amendment right to keep and in voters minds: Can she win? kitchen. And from there I serious challenge to incum- bear arms, and a proven candi- Stephanie Bice is a winner, a promoted myself into the bent Democratic U.S. Rep. date. She was a top GOP vote- leader and a woman of integri- business of manufactur- Kendra Horn. getter in her last state Sen- ty and determination. She has ing hair goods and prepa- State Sen. Stephanie Bice, ate race, and ran second in a our support. rations.” – Madam C. J. Walker Oklahoma Senate District 17 Republican Runoff: (1867-1919) For Shane Jett The City Sentinel He seeks a return to public to run for this seat.” Photo: National Park Service Runoff Endorsement office as state Senator in Dis- Shane and his wife, Ana, trict 17, which encompasses are each articulate, intelligent, In the June primary, Shane the north parts of Pottawato- caring and generous toward Jett garnered an impressive 44 mie County and a lot of east- all. The incumbent is known percent of the vote , blowing ern Oklahoma County. for his attacks on advocates past incumbent Ron Sharp, Jett says: “I never run to op- with whom he disagrees. The City Sentinel who had only 33 percent. A pose another candidate, but Jett is the sort of human third candidate secured the rather run for an opportunity being who reflects the sol- Endorsements balance – hence, Jett and to serve our community based id values of people who live Sharp face each other in the on the skills and experience I in District 17. The City Senti- August 25, 2020 Aug. 25 primary. have to offer. Since I left public nel respects Shane David Jett A former member of the service in 2010, I have dedicat- as a person of integrity and Republican Runoff Elections Oklahoma House of Represen- ed myself to fostering job cre- a passionate civic leader. We Fifth Congressional District, Republican Runoff: tatives, Jett was the first mem- ation in Oklahoma and serv- proudly supported him in the Stephanie Bice ber of the Grand Old Party ing my country in the United primary, and encourage Re- ever to represent the district States Navy. After prayerful publicans to nominate him on Oklahoma County Sheriff, Republican Runoff: he represented for six years. consideration, I am compelled Aug. 25. P.D. Taylor Oklahoma Senate District 17 Republican Runoff: Oklahoma County Sheriff, Republican Runoff: Shane David Jett Oklahoma House District 96 Republican Runoff: For P.D. Taylor Preston Stinson The City Sentinel with integrity. The officers or on election day, Tuesday, Runoff Endorsement worked professionally during Aug. 25. local protests, avoiding conflict Support your local sheriff! and affirming both community P.D. Taylor became acting order and the legitimate rights sheriff of Oklahoma County of those seeking change. under difficult circumstances Challenging him for the in 2017. Soon thereafter, he ran GOP nod is Norman police of- in a special election – first se- ficer Tommie Johnson III, who Sentinel Elected curing the Republican nomina- garnered a spot in the run- tion and then winning the spe- off after winning 33 percent of cial election for the top job. the primary vote (compared to Officials Guide No one now in the race can Taylor’s daunting 48.3 percent match Taylor’s experience, wis- while running first). Johnson dom, insight and profession- told a local reporter, “I respect alism. After 46 years without [Taylor] with all my heart. He’s stain of controversy, at a time given a lot to this profession of challenge and opportunity and has done it a long time. for law enforcement in central He’s a hall-of-fame officer.” Oklahoma, P.D. Taylor is the The City Sentinel believes right man to keep the Sheriff’s P.D. Taylor has earned election office focused on law enforce- to a full-term of office to con- ment, community engagement tinue the job he has started so and steady improvement. well. The first step in reaching During his three years as that objective is for Republi- sheriff, the women and men on can primary voters to support his staff have done their jobs Sheriff Taylor in early voting

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Lee Vincent Content and Graphics Director [email protected] Publication No. (USPS 566-340) Newspaper for City, State and County of Oklahoma. The City Sentinel is published monthly by Frost Entertainment LLC. The address of the newspaper is P.O. Box 60876, Oklahoma City, OK 73146. Published in Oklahoma County, the paper primarily serves Oklahoma City. Newsstand price is 10 cents. Complimentary copies are widely available throughout Oklahoma City. Copying or other reproduction with- out permission is prohibited. All advertising submitted is subject to content review and re- jection. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: 800 Overhead Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73128 The City Sentinel, 228 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Correction policy: The City Sentinel publishes corrections as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the attention of the editor. Proud Member of

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.City-Sentinel.com Page 4 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 OPINION/EDUCATION See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Oklahoma teacher ANALYSIS union attacks aid Otoe-Missouria, Comanche say to low-income and state court cannot invalidate their minority students compacts with Oklahoma By Ray Carter million to help support Okla- By Patrick B. McGuigan small-scale enterprises to make homa schools, which have been Publisher and retain profits for uses they Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to use overcoming major challenges deem best, better schools (in- a small portion of the state’s to feed, educate, and support The Otoe-Missouria and Co- cluding experiments in school federal COVID funding to ad- children in a time of great fear. manche tribes asserted, in state- choice for tribal members and dress the education needs of In the end, he opted to spend ments that sovereignty makes a their neighbors) for new gen- some students — primarily only half of those dollars on Jeb Bush, former governor Florida, recent Oklahoma state Supreme erations, and affordable means homeless children, low-income public schools.” applauded Oklahoma Governor Kevin Court decision inoperative to invest and grow new enter- (and typically minority) stu- She then added, “The gover- Stitt’s decision to use COVID relief when it comes to pursuing their prises for the benefit of tribal dents, and teens recovering nor is using this crisis as a way funds to benefit homeless and minor- respective peoples’ economic members, not a few lawyers and ity students. from addiction — has drawn to funnel emergency funds that advancement. long-serving Big Tribe execu- both praise and criticism. our schools desperately need to lion for his “Stay in School” ini- Last month, the Oklahoma tives.” The Oklahoma Education new, unproven nonprofits and tiative, which will provide up state Supreme Court ruled to Responding to the state Su- Association (OEA), the state to private schools, which have to $6,500 apiece to around 1,500 strike down compacts that Okla- preme Court ruling late in July, affiliate of the National Edu- zero academic accountability. Oklahoma families. The pro- homa Governor Kevin Stitt had Attorney General Mike Hunter cation Association (NEA), has Public schools serve 91 percent gram is targeted to low-income negotiated with the two nations. declared himself the victor, de- been among the most vocal of students but are receiving 50 families who have children in From the headquarters of the claring: “[T]he governor lacks critics. percent of the emergency fund- private schools. Otoe-Missouria Tribe in Red the authority to enter into and But some claims made by the ing.” In his announcement, Stitt Rock, Chairman John R. Shotton bind the state to compacts with union are contradicted by pub- In reality, the share of Okla- noted that Oklahoma received sent to the The City Sentinel and Indian tribes that authorize licly available data. homa’s COVID funding going $360 million in federal funding other news organizations a re- gaming activity prohibited by After Stitt’s announcement to public schools is far higher to cover the costs of education sponse to the state judicial rul- state law. We applaud today’s of his plan, OEA President Ali- than the 50-percent figure cit- response to COVID-19. ing. ruling and appreciate the court cia Priest issued a statement ed by Priest. Corey A. DeAngelis, director He said: “The Oklahoma Su- for carefully looking at this and declaring, “Gov. Stitt had $40 Stitt’s plan provides $10 mil- continued on page 5 preme Court doesn’t have juris- coming to an apt conclusion. We diction to invalidate our com- rect opposition from many oth- hope this settles and advances pact when state and federal er tribes – including the Chick- the resolution of gaming com- law dictates that our compact asaw Nation, Oklahoma’s most pact negotiations.” is legal. We have said all along economically powerful tribal Despite Hunter’s declaration, we do not plan to offer house- entity, the pair of smaller tribes there is little evidence leaders of banked card and table games have secured a significant vic- the two tribes aforementioned and event wagering until they tory. (and others which have agreed “That white man, . . . related to Arabia’s ruler, to whom he are authorized by state law. In- “For decades, the federal gov- on compact terms after discus- was a close advisor, truly an international man, with noth- deed, this condition was part of ernment had made it a habit to sions with Gov. Stitt) will relin- ing in the world to gain, had given up his suite to me, for my the compact, and it was unfortu- grant every possible backdoor quish independent interpreta- transient comfort. . . . He had followed the American press nately overlooked by the Court. and monopoly advantage to the tions of federal-state-tribal ju- about me. If he did that, he knew there was only stigma at- “We will continue to oper- dominant nations, leaving little risdictional issues. tached to me. I was supposed to have horns. I was a ‘racist.’ I ate under the remaining terms market share for smaller play- Following are succinct de- was ‘anti-white.’ . . . Everyone was even accusing me of using of our compact pursuant to the ers. In state government, as the scriptions, provided by the re- his religion of Islam as a cloak for my criminal practices and severability clause of the com- Chickasaw and other Big Tribes spective nations, of their histo- philosophies. . . . That morning was when I first began to pact, and we will refrain from gained unfair advantages, much ry: reappraise the ‘white man.’ It was when I first began to per- operating any game that is not of the ruling class in Indian About The Otoe-Missouria ceive that ‘white man,’ as commonly used, means complex- authorized under state law.” Country and at the seat of gov- Tribe: The Otoe-Missouria ion only secondarily; primarily it described attitudes and ac- Chairman William Nelson, ernment in Oklahoma City got Tribe is located in North Central tions. In America, ‘white man’ meant specific attitudes and Sr. of the Comanche Nation took a bigger and bigger share of the Oklahoma in Red Rock. There actions toward the black man, and toward all other nonwhite a similar position in his state- economic clout that comes from are currently 3,288 members en- men. But in the Muslim world, I had seen that men with ment to news organizations, tribal rights short of reservation rolled in the tribe with 2,242 liv- white complexions were more genuinely brotherly than any- saying “Our compact is legal un- status. ing in Oklahoma. The tribe was one else had ever been. That morning was the start of a radi- der federal law and is a matter “Yes, the ruling class gave relocated to Oklahoma in 1881 cal alteration in my whole outlook about ‘white men.’ “ of our tribal sovereignty. We in- lip service, mouthing sympa- from its first reservation on the – Malcolm X, from his Autobiography Photo: International Socialist Review tend to continue operating un- thetic rhetoric toward smaller border of Nebraska and Kansas. der the terms of the compact tribes for years, instead of sup- For more information about the outside of offering games not porting the hard work need- Otoe-Missouria Tribe, visit om- currently authorized by state ed (with feet on the ground) to tribe.org. law. Our compact is legal and build small tribe economies. It About the Comanche Na- we are prepared to legally in- has been comfortable, familiar tion: The Comanche Nation is voke the compact’s severability and easy for federal bureaucrats located in Southwest Oklahoma, clause if necessary.” to decide one close call after an- with headquarters located right  The actions of both trib- other in favor of the most pow- outside of Lawton. The tribe cur- al leaders in forging an accord erful Indian Nations, i.e. those rently has approximately 17,000 V
t with state Gov. Stitt were ap- with economic clout and power. enrolled tribal members with proved by the Bureau of Indian And it was easy and convenient 7,000 residing in the tribal juris- Affairs in Washington, D.C.In for state officials to go along, to dictional area around the Law- a commentary, this reporter re- get along. ton, Ft. Sill, and surrounding flected: “Tribal rights are important, counties. In the late 1600’s and “The U.S. Department of the but tribalism for the sake of the early 1700’s the tribe migrated Interior … approved gaming few is not, in the broader con- from their Shoshone kinsmen compacts – between the Coman- text, an answer. onto the northern Plains, ulti- che Nation and Oklahoma, and “What is needed in Oklaho- mately relocating in Oklahoma.  the Otoe-Missouria Tribe and ma’s Indian Country is what is For more information about The  the state – starting a new era in needed elsewhere in the Amer- Comanche Nation, visit coman- state/trial relations. Despite di- ican economy: An ability for chenation.com.    OPINION Horn wants to defund not defend and limit the independence of working toward solutions to fix individual police departments. poor police protocols. I’ve spo- Senate Minority Leader ken with local police officers Chuck Schumer threw his sup- who said that many police or- port behind a proposal to cut ganizations are underfunded $74 billion from the Pentagon’s and not able to provide con- budget, a priority of the left- tinuing education training to wing. officers in the areas of enforce- Where will they stop? The ment priorities and procedures. safety of the American peo- Defunding the police or our ple should not be a partisan is- national security won’t solve sue, but time and again, radi- any problems and only poses cal Democrats have called for enhanced risk to our citizens By State Sen. Stephanie Bice defunding those who protect who depend on society’s most our nation, whether in our lo- basic service of protecting life Democrats are doubling cal communities, nationwide and property. Democrats are down on efforts to defund or abroad. taking advantage of civil un- those who defend America. The majority of Americans rest to encourage legislation Last month House Democrats, do not support defunding our that fails to address the under- including Oklahoma’s Con- nation’s police departments. lying problems of some police gresswoman Kendra Horn, According to a recent Pew Poll, departments while vilifying vote quickly defeated a resolution 73 percent of the American our nation’s law enforcement. that would support our nation’s people opposed cutting spend- It’s time to put politics aside law enforcement agencies and ing on the police, and only 25 and work on tangible solutions  protect them from defunding. percent favored decreasing that impact the communities That same week, House spending on the police. The where problems are located.  Democrat’s passed the Justice largest block of Americans was Democrats are only making  in Policing Act with punitive 42 percent, who said we should America more dangerous for measures against law enforce- keep police funding where it is. innocent people and their fam- ment services and defunding This means that Americans ilies by defunding those who  police departments across the reject the defunding idea put work to defend us. nation. Horn voted for this ex- forth by the radical left nearly NOTE: A Republican, Stepha- tension of the Democrats’ agen- 3:1. nie Bice is running in the Aug. 25  da that would enable the crim- While I recognize there are primary for the Fifth Congres- inalization of police activity, issues in American law en- sional District seat now held by limit the civil immunity of of- forcement, we must be careful U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn, a Re- Paid for and authorized by Bice for Congress  ficers acting in the line of duty to preserve what is good, while publican. Page 5 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 EDUCATION/COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter

Set the example for your kids, for others By Jack L. Werner, Ph.D. ey – Quit with the excuses. I am an old alcoholic. My A to Z Inspections It is the habit that makes half-brother died a skid row the difference. If you can- drunk. Fortunately, I quit A friend, another busi- not save a hundred dollars a 36 years ago. Walk every ness owner, has been wres- month (without robbing it) day with your family, your tling with whether to ex- then save $10 a month. This friends, your pets. Spend- pand his successful busi- is money for financial free- ing, gambling, drugs, alco- ness. I encouraged him to dom. It can be used only hol, food, tobacco, all can be expand. I believe that if we for investment in an asset addictions. Take steps, small Crossover Preparatory Academy students in Tulsa are among those who will benefit from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to use are not growing that we are that will increase in value: steps toward dealing with an COVID relief funds to help minority and homeless children get a strong education. stagnating. My friend asked a rent house, further educa- addiction and take steps to- me to write out how I de- tion, a mutual fund. In my ward walking regularly and fined success. What a valu- quarter of a century with getting 7 or 8 hours sleep. Oklahoma teacher union attacks able exercise! John Hancock, I saw earners I hope these things do not I have always told my who made a million dollars sound boring because they aid to low-income and minority children that you know you a year who were spending a work for me. I’ll be 73 in Oc- are on the right track if you million dollars plus, always tober, and I am excited ev- are excited about starting broke, always borrowing. ery day as my feet swing to- students your day as your feet are I saw two schoolteachers ward the floor. Call me if I continued from page 4 swinging out of bed. Here is in their late 70’s who were can help you brainstorm or my list of what constitutes a wealthy by any standard. plan. Always have expansive of school choice at the Reason successful life: All the money they ever had goals! Foundation, noted on Twitter • Enjoying your work came from teaching school, Jack L. Werner owns A to that the share of funding used - Most of us spend the ma- but they had saved 20% of Z Inspections, a commercial for some Oklahoma students to jority of our waking hours every penny that crossed and residential inspection attend private schools is only a working. I have been lucky their palms. They had a company serving the south- small share of the state total. to have been raised to do lovely home, they traveled west. He holds a degree in “The U.S. Dept. of Educa- the best job I possibly can, the world, they walked to- construction from OSU and tion allocated $360 million to whether cleaning toilets or gether every day, everything numerous certifications in- Oklahoma to respond to CO- speaking to a thousand peo- was paid for and they loved cluding ICC (International VID-19,” DeAngelis tweeted. ple. You have the power to their career. Get the habit! Code Council)-Certified Ac- “The state allocated $18 million make your work enjoyable. The dollars will build and cessibility/Plans Examin- of that funding for these two What a joy to work every compound once you develop er, FORTIFIED™ evaluator, initiatives. It’s only 5 percent of day. the habit. and Property Condition As- the total allotment.” • Balance – It has taken • Civic Involvement – sessment certification. He DeAngelis’ 5-percent esti- The Oklahoma Education Association, the state’s largest labor union, recently me a long time to move in (beyond church, church is teaches home inspections for announced opposition to Governor Kevin Stitt’s use of COVID funds to benefit the mate included not only the teaching of homeless and minority students. File Photo. this direction but what good for other reasons). Para- Francis Tuttle Career Tech. $10 million allocated for Stitt’s does it do us if we succeed phrasing Robert Putnam Designated an NAHB Master “Stay in School” initiative, — in Oklahoma City and Tulsa Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in one area and another area “active long-term participa- Instructor, he teaches Certi- but also $8 million for Stitt’s — generate some of the worst tweeted that because of Stitt’s falls apart. Identify your key tion in civic organizations fied Aging in Place (CAPS) “Bridge the Gap Digital Wal- academic results in the state. “bold leadership” the new edu- areas. These work for me: (Rotary, Chamber of Com- and Universal Design cours- let,” an initiative that will pro- In 2019, state tests results cation initiatives “will provide Business/Career, Educa- merce, professional associa- es for the Oklahoma State vide low-income families with showed that at least 61 percent relief and stability to Oklaho- tion/Mental Improvement, tions), builds you, builds our Home Builders Association $1,500 grants to purchase cur- of all public-school students in ma families and schools during Civic/Community Com- community and your coun- and was named the 2019 na- riculum content, tutoring ser- Oklahoma were performing be- these uncertain times.” mitment, Physical/Health, try and builds wealth.” tional CAPS educator of the vices, and technology. That low grade level in English Lan- The reform group ExcelinEd Financial Freedom/Sav- • Build strong respon- year by the NAHB. He serves program is available to up to guage Arts in every grade test- tweeted a thank you to Stitt for ings, Relationships/Family/ sible children – Spend lots on the board of the Daily Liv- 5,000 low-income families ed, at least 57 percent were be- his “innovative and student- Friends, Rest & Recreation, of time with them whether ing Centers and is a 40-year across Oklahoma who meet in- low grade level in math in ev- centered plan for investing Character,/Becoming the they want it or not. Teach member of Rotary. Jack can come eligibility, not just stu- ery grade tested, and the share CARES Act funding to allow person I wish to be. (Some work, responsibility, and be reached at 405/412-7861 dents in private schools. performing below grade level students from diverse back- label this religion. For me, civic involvement. ext 2 or www.atozinspec- The OEA’s attack on $10 mil- in science started at 60 percent grounds to access the qual- my label puts more respon- • Stay reasonably [email protected]. Visit A lion in state support for low-in- in the two grades tested. ity resources they need in or- sibility on me.) healthy – If you have an ad- to Z at www.atozinspection- come students comes as Okla- Things were worse in Okla- der to continue their education • Saving a little mon- diction, admit it! Get help. sok.com. homa Department of Education homa County, where there journey amid these uncertain records show public schools re- were at least 18 schools where times.” ceived nearly $7.9 billion in to- 80 percent of third graders, or John Schilling, president tal funding in 2019. more, were below grade level in of the American Federation Officials from several pri- English subjects, with 97 per- for Children, which supports vate schools whose students cent of students at one school school choice, said Stitt “has are among the likely beneficia- performing below grade level. made Oklahoma a national ries of Stitt’s plan have praised In at least 19 schools in Okla- leader when it comes to bold, the governor’s efforts. All of homa County that year, more innovative public policy.” them serve low-income and at- than 60 percent of third grad- Three days after Stitt un- “[N]ow we’re demanding action for Secoriea Turner and risk populations. ers were at least two-grades veiled his plan for COVID edu- for all of the other people who were shot in Atlanta last Positive Tomorrows serves behind in English subjects. cation funding, another gover- night and over the past few weeks, because the reality is homeless children in Oklaho- In 2017, there were 12 schools nor followed suit when South this, these aren’t police officers shooting people on the ma City. in the Tulsa Public Schools Carolina Gov. Henry McMas- streets of Atlanta. These are members of the community Crossover Preparatory Acad- (TPS) district that had entire ter announced a similar plan shooting each other. And in this case, it is the worst pos- emy serves mostly working- grades where no student tested for his state. sible outcome. … You can’t blame this on a police officer, class minority male students proficient on state tests. Only you can’t say this is about criminal justice reform. This is in grades six through nine in 13 TPS school sites had at least NOTE: Ray Carter is director about some people carrying some weapons who shot up a north Tulsa. half of students performing at the Center for Independent Jour- car with an eight-year-old baby in the car. We got to stop Cristo Rey OKC Catholic the proficiency level in tested nalism, where this story first ap- this. We are doing each other more harm than any police High School serves low-income, subjects that year. The district peared: officer on this force. We’ve had over 75 shootings in the predominantly minority stu- operates more than 60 elemen- Carter is a veteran journal- city over the past several weeks. You can’t blame that on dents. tary, middle, and high school ist and public servant, having APD.” Mission Academy High sites, not including alternative worked at The Journal Record, – Mayor Bottoms, speaking after the murder of Secoriea School helps reclaim teens schools. on legislative staff, and at The Turner from substance abuse and ad- While the NEA/OEA, which Oklahoman, where his work was File Photo: Atlanta Mayor diction by providing a sober has endorsed candidates such honored in Associated Press Keisha Lance Bottoms high school and recovery sup- as Joe Biden and Alexandria competitions. His reports are port. Although Priest claimed Ocasio-Cortez in presiden- frequently “aggregated” at both those private schools have tial and congressional races, CapitolBeatOK.com and City- “zero academic accountability,” bashed Stitt’s plan, the gov- Sentinel.com. His news stories In thrall to the beauteous Valley of Memory: the public schools where many ernor’s proposal has received appear occasionally, with per- of those private-school stu- strong support from other mission, with CapitolBeatOK’s My heart is in Kashmir dents would otherwise be sent groups and leaders. other recurring reports. By Nyla Ali Khan

Pat McGuigan’s Note of in- troduction: Dr. Nyla Ali Khan writes with grace and precision. In a few hundred words, she can help us understand a complex “There is a battle being fought for the soul of our nation. matter concerning a land far This is a historic moment of division and divisiveness. How our away (but close to her heart) – country acts now will have lasting effects on the future. How or, in works of the heart, bring to we as people act matters. When the Democrats accused me of the mind snapshots from a time being a ‘token’ for introducing legislation which would sup- and place foreign to us here in port the good cops and weed out the bad cops and take common Oklahoma, yet familiar to the sense steps to rebuild lost trust between communities of color heart. Helpful hints for this sweet and law enforcement, they implied that I was a traitor to African memoir: Americans. … [C]aring about this country and ALL of the people “Chinars” are also know as who live here takes more than wearing a stereotypical scarf for Old World Sycamores. A rushing river in Kashmir. Photo provided. a photoshoot. … As a nation we need to unite. It is through hard And: Khushwant Singh was a independent nations of today’s my emotions get the better of times like these that we come out stronger. I have grown accus- renowned author, lawyer, diplo- sub-continent. He was a man of me -- and on being in control. tomed to the insults and attacks from the Democrats.” mat, politician and, to be sure, wit and deft sarcasm. But the one entity that has me – U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, in an email to his sup- an editor and a journalist of The essay of our respected in its firm grip is KASHMIR. porters in June. Official U.S. Senate Photo some note. His life spanned the jewel of Kashmir follows: The thought of seeing the years from British India to the I pride myself on not letting continued on page 6 Page 6 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter In thrall to the beauteous Valley of Memory: My heart is in Kashmir continued from page 5 venate me. That was my utopia. al forces -- it is still evocative of One year, my father sent a heaven for me. majestic mountain peaks, the beautiful bouquet of gladio- I remember when acclaimed stately chinars, the lush and li for me from Kashmir, which writer Khushwant Singh (1915- blossoming lawns, and trellised was delivered to the college 2014) reviewed my book, “Is- fruit trees has always kept me dorms. Every one in the dorms lam, Women, and Violence in going. was mesmerized by the flow- Kashmir,” he called me and I left Kashmir in 1990 to pur- ers from Kashmir, and we were said, “You can live wherever sue my Bachelors and Masters soothed by the aroma of the you like, but your heart is in in New Delhi. Valley in the sweltering heat of Kashmir.” The thought of the moun- Delhi. The great writer had great tains and snow-covered peaks Kashmir would breathe new perception from afar: That is so in the blistering heat of Delhi life into me and make me feel true. My heart is in Kashmir. would make me bawl. I felt like invincible! Even today, the only entity a fish out of water away from If anyone asks me what the that has the power to make my the beauteous Valley. elixir of life is, even today my heart melt is “Kashmir.” Like Members of Julius Jones family, (L-R) Antoinette, Madeline, Anthony and Antonio Jones speaking at a rally for Julius at the My college friends would answer would be “Kashmir.” my father, dear Abba, I too am Oklahoma State Capitol. Photo by Darla Shelden. tease me that my skin was los- In memory, it embodies the in its thrall. ing its glow and my hair was innocence of childhood; the Note: Nyla Ali Khan is a uni- losing its sheen in the torpid cli- growing pains of adolescence; versity professor as well as an Doing some heavy lifting: Commuting a mate. I would eagerly look for- the follies of youth; and the se- author and journalist. Her re- ward to the exams getting over renity of adulthood. flections are often shared in sentence, and ending the death penalty in April, so I could fly home the Although I am older now, The City Sentinel newspaper in consistent with Julius’ DNA is, what does the district attor- very next day. The cool climes have traveled much and to Oklahoma City, and on Capitol- McGuigan Commentary cont’d from page 1 profile at 7 out of the 21 test- ney have to hide.? This should of the Valley, and the riot of col- many lovely places – and Kash- BeatOK, an online news service. in any circumstances. ed genetic markers. These re- be transparent. For God’s sake, ors in the gardens would reju- mir has been mangled by sever- www.CapitolBeatOK.com Federal officials have re- sults do not constitute a match the state of Oklahoma is try- sumed executions. It’s time under law enforcement stan- ing to kill one of its citizens. for plain speaking -- including dards.” That is the truth. Why are they playing hide the about the actual innocence of She pointed out, “The red ball? It should be a very simple Julius Jones. bandana was located in Julius’ decision for the district attor- Oklahoma Attorney Gener- bedroom after the police had ney to say, ‘here’s my file.’ ” al Mike Hunter asserts Jones handled a number of items in This outlines multiple rea- is the person who pulled the Julius’ bedroom.” Koblinsky sons to never move toward trigger on the gun from which asserts, “When you find some- execution of Julius Jones. All the bullet emerged to kill a be- thing in the home of a sus- this even before consider- loved resident of Edmond, Paul pect, you’ve got to be especial- ation of issues of race raised Howell. ly careful because you never in this particular case based I will not concede. The know how the DNA got on an on evidence, not mere sup- Jones family says the hon- object.” position. The proposition the ors graduate of John Marshall Bass says: “The district at- state should move even one High School was at home play- torney and the Oklahoma at- step toward this execution is ing board games the night of torney general immediate- even more dubious in the pres- the killing. I believe them, and ly came out and said, ‘these ent context. Commutation is not the veiled references to lab results prove that Julius the path of wisdom, because one contradictor. Eye-witness is guilty.’” She tells the truth. doubt and evidence of actual testimony could not directly The lab results proved noth- innocence abide. identify Julius Jones. ing of the kind: The argument is made that Days after the murder, po- “The lab could not exclude finality of judgment is need- lice quite literally tore the Chris Jordan being among the ed – that judicial appeals have On a Lake in Kashmir. Photo provided. Jones home apart looking for 3 or more minor contributors been exhausted, so the doubt- evidence to make their case. of the DNA on the bandana, ers need to shut up. The P&P When I write “tore apart” I am so no, he [Jordan] could not be board may be the last apparent speaking literally. In confusion excluded.” means to stop the execution of and contention, the finding of Chris Jordan, sentenced to Julius Jones. But process de- a gun – wrapped in a bandan- 30 years and only served 15 – fense should not be declared na – should surprise almost no the guy who got incentivized stronger than the provision of one. with a promise he would not justice itself. The red bandanna was ref- face the death penalty so long Governor Kevin Stitt should erenced but not examined for as he testified that his basket- support commutation and two decades. How can this be ball buddy, Julius Jones, was consider evidence for exonera- deemed good process? Once the trigger man. tion. it was finally studied – after Mike Hunter has an- The Attorney General a decade and a half -- Hunt- nounced dramatic agreements should consider the possibility er and the local D.A. declared that were not, after all, agree- he is mistaken. that testing “proved” Jones is ments. He used the tone of The P&P Board should end guilty. certainty about guilt in mat- the possibility that the State I call B.S. ters where there is plenty of of Oklahoma will ever execute In an ABC 20/20 documen- room for doubt about guilt. Julius Jones. tary (updated), Lawrence Kob- As The City Sentinel re- The foregoing is just for linsky, a DNA expert from the ported long ago, the local D.A. starters: With or without ce- John Jay College of Criminal promised to share a case file lebrities. With or without doc- Justice stated, “The evidence that no lawyer for Jones has umentaries. With or without consists of a bandanna which ever studied – then reneged on further judicial review. With has a stain…and that stain has that pledge. or without any official acts of a contribution of three do- Baich notes, “We have been courage. nors.” That is the truth. trying to get that file since Julius Jones is innocent and Baich’s co-counsel Aman- the winter of 2017 and the dis- his sentence should be com- da Bass, as seen in the recent trict attorney just won’t let go muted to time served. documentary, observed, “The of it. There may be something Oklahoma needs to end use lab determined that there was of import in that file or there of the death penalty. Now, and a partial DNA profile that was may be nothing. My question forever more.

“I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.” – George Washington Carver (c. 1860s-1943) was one of the best-known scientists of the late Nineteenth and early Twen- tieth Century.

George Washington Carver Photo: History.com

“We must reject separatism from whatever source. We must reject white separatism. We must reject black separat- ism. We must hold true to the course on which we have em- barked — the course which leads to an integrated society of magnificent pluralism.” – Edward Brooke (1919-2015). A Republican, Brooke served CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate from 1967 to 1979. He was the first popularly elected U.S. Senator. www.City-Sentinel.com Official U.S. Senate Photo Page 7 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Covid-19 and the DSP brings New ways to support Adults with Disabilities By Ellyn Novak Hefner

The City Sentinel’s Continu- ing Series on STABLE and ‘Spe- cial Care’ issues. The pandemic has pushed Oklahomans to look at the “new normal”. With the nec- essary changes to keep Okla- homans safe the “new normal” has pushed us to look at doing things differently, pushing our- selves to continue our jobs but in a different way. My friend Robin Arter, ex- ecutive director at Think Abil- ity, Inc. has the privilege to A participant at Think Ability, Inc., and Robin Arter, executive director. Left, at the Gaylord-Pickens Museum podium in Oklahoma City, Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby speaks during an- serve as the Executive Direc- accounts. nouncement of a water agreement between the Oklahoma state government and some some tribes four years ago this tor that provides supports and Doug Jackson is the Deputy month (August 2016). Also at the event (but not taking questions from reporters in attendance) were Choctaw Nation Chief services to people with intel- Director of the national ABLE Gary Batton, then-Governor Mary Fallin, then-Attorney General Scott Pruitt and Oklahoma City Manager Jim Couch, who lectual and developmental dis- program known as STABLE has since retired. Photo by Patrick B. McGuigan. abilities. They support 106 in- Account, working with Okla- dividuals with intellectual dis- homa to administer the in-state abilities and employ 150 + to get OK STABLE plan. Jackson ex- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt begins the job done. The majority, of plains “Providers that support course, are direct support pro- people with disabilities in day- work on state-tribal jurisdictional fessionals. Robin tells us how to-day life are often involved they continue to do their job as in assisting these individuals issues in wake of ‘McGirt’ DSPs in a different way to sup- in money management. This is als such as the physical, occu- port these Oklahomans. why OK STABLE is so impor- continued from page 1 pational and speech therapist, Direct Support Profession- tant.” nutrition plans, mealtime chal- als (DSPs) are employees who Jackson went on to explain Girt’s fallout, only to have the lenges as well as implement work directly with people with the historic problem that pro- alleged agreement begin fall- positive behavior supports. intellectual/developmental/ vider agencies face, “In the ing apart almost immediately DSPs share a passion for physical disabilities with the past, providers helped those when two of the five tribes dis- promoting and protecting the goal of assisting the individual they were serving ‘spend down’ tanced themselves from it. rights of people with disabili- to become integrated into his/ money to ensure publics ben- Seminole Nation Chief Greg ties and advocate often in sup- her community or the least re- efits were protected from the P. Chilcoat said his tribe “has port. strictive environment and to eligibility asset limits. Spend- not engaged in any such dis- “The DSPs are challenged in live their best life. ing down money is simply a cussions with the State of current events, not only by the The individual’s interdisci- waste of this person’s resourc- Oklahoma, including with the pandemic, but to continue to plinary team works with the es so they qualify for benefits Attorney General, to develop respect important to and im- individual and their family to like Medicaid and Supplemen- a framework for clarifying re- portant for each individual we discover and identify what is tal Security Income (SSI). OK spective jurisdictions and to support through the pandemic. important to and what is im- STABLE allows a provider to ensure collaboration among Left, at the podium, Choctaw Nation Chief Gary Batton speaking on Aug. 16, 2016, The DSPs, responsible to im- portant for that individual, support the people they serve tribal, state, and federal au- when a water agreement between the Oklahoma state government and some plement the individual plan, then outcomes are developed in preserving their money and, thorities regarding the admin- tribes was announced. Also attending the signing, which included none of the find most if not all require in- state’ smaller tribes, were then-Governor Mary Fallin, Governor Bill Anoatubby to challenge progress in these even more, in attaining finan- istration of justice across Semi- creased socialization opportu- of the Chickasaw Nation, then-Attorney General Scott Pruitt, and then-Oklahoma interests. The DSP implements cial goals such as saving their nole Nation lands.” nities in the communities we City Manager Jim Couch. Chief Batton joined the leaders of the Chickasaw and these outcomes and more! The money toward short-term and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Cherokee Nations to rebuff an “agreement-in-principle” Attorney General Mike live in. Here are some of the DSP assist with all activities of long-term goals. This is how a Principal Chief David Hill sep- Hunter had announced in July 2020. creative ways we have met the daily living to include personal provider can truly help a per- arately called Hunter’s pro- Photo by Pat McGuigan. challenge: hygiene tasks, dressing, medi- son achieve financial indepen- posal a “framework.” Hill said formed,” Stitt said. “The Com- despite the attorney general’s • Instead of eating out, we cation administration, house- dence.” any such agreement would be mission provides all Oklaho- lack of meaningful authority. drive through and picnic, ev- keeping, meal prep, personal Robin explains that DSPs “temporary” and address only mans with a central platform “None of the leaders of the eryone chooses their own res- and grocery supply shopping, do all of this while following “the immediate transitional pe- to help determine what those Five Tribes support eroding taurant! transportation, budgeting, bud- all physician orders and pro- riod as we address inter-gov- next steps might be.” our sovereignty or turning • We go on walks and some- geting to save for bigger pur- tocols, and the recommenda- ernmental cooperation agree- Under the executive order back the recognition of our res- chases/dreams in OKSTABLE tions/plans of other profession- continued on page 8 ments consistent with the Stitt issued that creates the ervation achieved through Mc- court’s decision …” He also said commission, state agencies, Girt,” leaders of the three trib- federal legislation is not nec- boards, or commissions im- al nations stated. “We feel that essary and does not have the pacted by the ‘McGirt’ decision the leaders of each tribe under- tribe’s support. must submit a Notice of Po- stand that we must be engaged The validity of any agree- tential Impact by Aug. 28, and with the state Attorney Gener- ment reached between the at- a more detailed Report of Po- al and members of Oklahoma’s torney general and tribes is tential Impact by Sept. 30. Congressional delegation if we legally precarious since the Larry Nichols, co-founder are to have a meaningful voice Oklahoma Constitution and of Oklahoma City-based De- in any legislative process that state law grant the governor, von Energy, will serve chair of moves forward as a result of “America is woven of many strands. I would not the attorney general, the the commission. Other mem- McGirt.” authority to negotiate and enter bers will include former U.S. However, the three tribal recognize them and let it so remain. Our fate into cooperative agreements on Sen. Don Nickles, former U.S. nation’s leaders suggested the is to become one, and yet many. This is not behalf of the state with feder- Rep. J.C. Watts, state Sen. Julie previous announcement with ally recognized Indian tribal Daniels, state Rep. Mark Lep- Hunter’s office was rushed. prophecy, but description.” governments. ak, Alan Armstrong, Brent Bo- “[The] statement of princi- – Ralph Waldo Ellison (1914-1994), a native Notably, the agreement an- len, Suzie Brewster, oilman Har- ples began a discussion with nounced by Hunter not only old Hamm, and Joe Robson. state and federal stakeholders,” of Oklahoma City, was the author of “Invisible addressed jurisdiction in the Additional members may the statement said. “Upon fur- Man” – often described by critics as the greatest area of criminal law, but also also include a representative of ther reflection, and after ob- called for federal law to affirm the Oklahoma Attorney Gen- taining feedback from the peo- American Novel of the Twentieth Century tribes’ civil jurisdiction in their eral’s office, a member of the ple we represent, leaders of reservation boundaries includ- District Attorneys Council, and the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Photo: BlackPast ing “the ability to legislate, reg- representatives of Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nations agree that ulate, tax, and adjudicate on federally recognized Indian more discussion is warranted non-criminal matters.” Tribes. with stakeholders and the gen- Stitt indicated his commis- The commission will also eral public.” sion will take a more compre- hear from and engage with hensive and thorough approach leaders from various sectors of Note: Ray Carter is the direc- to ‘McGirt’ issues than the pri- the Oklahoma economy, local tor of OCPA’s Center for Inde- or discussions held by the at- communities, and the public. pendent Journalism, where this torney general with tribal offi- Leaders of the Cherokee, news report first appeared here. cials. Chickasaw, and Choctaw Na- The story is reprintted with per- “While I appreciate the en- tions responded to Stitt’s an- mission. Photos for this story thusiasm to rush into agree- nouncement with a joint state- were selected by Pat McGuigan, ments, it’s vital that our next ment that suggested they pre- publisher of The City Sentinel steps be thoughtful and in- ferred working with Hunter, newspaper. 2020 Paseo Arts Festival canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

continued from page 1 the Paseo Arts Festival features nearly 100 nationally acclaimed visual artists with original art- through the arts, and is accept- work, from painting, ceramics ing donations to offset the loss and photography to woodwork- of revenue caused by the can- ing, glass, sculpture and jewel- celation,” Bleakley said. ry. Donations can be made to The Paseo Arts District is support the Paseo Arts Asso- home to a historically diverse ciation online at thepaseo.org/ community of families, small support or by mail to 3024 Pas- businesses and creatives. eo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Jerry Bennett, comics and children’s Located between Northwest For more information vis- books artist, created the official art- 27th and 30th Streets and Walk- it thepaseo.org or call 405-525- work for the 2020 Paseo Arts Festival. er and Lee Avenues, each year 2688. Photo provided. Page 8 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Covid-19 and the DSP brings New ways to support Adults with Disabilities continued from page 7 • We’ve learned to face-time meet while making a world of with family and friends, difference in people’s lives. times enjoy a nature scavenger • We watch our church ser- Robin Arter’s final words for hunt, vice on tv or online us: • We go on drives and enjoy All this while promoting so- “If you are inspired to be- a community scavenger hunt. cial distancing, and modeling, come a Direct Support Pro- • We use laptops and order teaching, assisting, and encour- fessional I encourage you to personal supplies and grocer- aging hand washing, sanitiz- search for a Developmental ies online, sometimes we use ing our homes and vehicles and Disability Provider Agency in Ellyn Novak Hefner curbside pickup and sometimes wearing masks. your area, apply for employ- we use an online service and There are 24 individuals sup- ment or to volunteer your time. Inc. at this website: thinkabili- get packages delivered to our ported in residential settings You’ll find it is amazing to in- tyfirst.com homes – it’s always exciting to across Oklahoma that have test- fluence positive experiences in And, as always, contact Ellyn get a package delivery! ed positive for COVID-19, sad- a person’s life!” Novak Hefner, ChSNP, Special • We’ve enjoyed more card ly one death. This is an ongo- For further information, Needs Consultant via email at & board games and jigsaw puz- ing challenge that DSPs across check out: Robin Arter, Execu- ellynhefner@fianacialguide. zles together Oklahoma continue to rise to tive Director , Think Ability, com. 2020 Oklahoma National History Day Competition winners announced By Darla Shelden City Sentinel Reporter

Ten students, representing five Oklahoma school systems, received recognition for their projects during the 2020 Na- tional History Day (NHD) con- test. The national contest is the final stage in a series of con- tests beginning at the local/re- gional and state/affiliate levels. The event is held annually to highlight the work of mid- dle and high school students from the United States and several countries around the world who have prepared proj- Ten students from five Oklahoma school systems received recognition for their projects submitted for the 2020 National ects with a particular theme in History Day contest, themed “Breaking Barriers in History.” Facebook photo. mind. The theme for 2020 was this wonderful event.” titled “The Journey to Mars: Breaking Barriers in History. Judging for the virtual na- How Donna Shirley Broke Bar- Students presented their work tional contest was completed riers for Women in Space Engi- in the form of papers, docu- between May 23 and June 6. neering.” Their teacher at Clas- mentaries, performances, ex- The Oklahoma students who sen School of Advanced Studies hibits or websites. earned honors at the 2020 Na- in Oklahoma City is Billy Till- The Oklahoma History Cen- tional History Day competition man. ter serves as the state sponsor are as follows: • Special Award for Equal- for Oklahoma National History • First Place in Senior Group ity in History: Alexa Delgado Day (OKNHD) and coordinates Website: Evan McCrackin, and McKayla Howerton for the state competition, while Justin Yang and Shoaib Jamil their Junior Group Exhibit en- various local sponsors manage for their website entitled “For titled “Woman vs. Woman.” regional events. the Rainbow Children of God: Their teacher at Canton Public Students began by presenting and volunteers from various Desmond Tutu’s Perilous Con- Schools is Penny Heath. their projects in classrooms, museums domestically, as well quest against South African • Special Award for Out- schools and regional contests as seven international sites. Apartheid.” Their teacher at standing Junior State Entry: Za- across the country. Top entries The Oklahoma History Cen- Norman Public Schools is Mar- yda Sherwood for Junior Pa- are invited to the state/affiliate ter is an active affiliate of the garet Wadleigh. per entitled “Love Conquers level contests. Smithsonian Institution, which • Special Award for Discov- All: How Loving v. Virginia The top two entries in each also contributed judges from ery or Exploration in History: Helped Break Racial Barriers.” category at the state/affiliate its staff, along with judges from Amelia Peoples, Cate Moss- Her teacher at Canton Public level are then invited to the na- other national affiliates. man and Kate Schein for their Schools is Penny Heath. tional contest. Sarah Dumas, director of ed- Senior Group Documentary en- • Special Award for Out- In past years, state winners ucation at the Oklahoma His- standing Senior State Entry: Jor- have had the opportunity to tory Center and OKNHD state dan Mason for her Senior In- travel to College Park, Mary- coordinator said, “This year dividual Performance entitled land, for judging in the Nation- posed many challenges to the “Bright Not Broken: The Bar- al History Day contest. How- students, not the least was rier Between Autism and Agri- ever, due to the COVID-19 pan- the fact that the schools were culture.” Her teacher at Burns demic. this year, all presenta- closed. Flat-Dill City Public Schools is tions and entries were uploaded “Research on their particular Patsy Lyles. to the NHD registry, then re- projects had to be done wher- National History Day is a viewed by the judges. ever they could find it. It seems nonprofit education organiza- The judging panels were that this year’s theme. ‘Break- tion in College Park, Maryland. comprised of teachers, gradu- ing Barriers,’ became a reality Established in 1974, NHD offers ate students, authors, historians to all those who participated in year-long academic programs that engage more than half a million middle and high school students around the world an- nually in conducting original research on historical topics of interest. “I’ve advocated for mental NHD also seeks to improve health funds to go to communi- the quality of history educa- ties of color since 2013. I’ve been tion by providing professional advocating for treatment of drug development opportunities and addiction for a long time. But if curriculum materials for edu- you’re talking about, let’s just take cators. all the police out of our communi- The Oklahoma History Cen- ty and if a crime happens, just let ter is a division of the Okla- someone else respond, I just don’t homa Historical Society and is think that’s realistic.” an affiliate of the Smithsonian – Jackie Lacey, Los Angeles Institution, National Archives County District Attorney, who in and is an accredited member of the month of July 2020 was under the American Alliance of Mu- persistent attack from local ‘Black seums. Lives Matter’ activists, including The mission of the Oklahoma Photo: Then-President Barack Obama with L.A. County District Attor- an uninvited early-morning visit to ney Jackie Lacey … Historical Society is to collect, her front porch. preserve and share the history and culture of the state of Okla- homa and its people. Founded in 1893 by members of the Ter- Faith Directory ritorial Press Association, the OHS maintains museums, his- First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City Weekend Masses: Sat.Vigil @ 4pm; Christian Education: 10:10 a.m. toric sites and affiliates across “In the heart of our city with a heart for the Sunday @ 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Thursday Holy Eucharist: 12:10 p.m. the state. Through its research world.” 1201 N. Robinson NOON - Spanish Service, Weekday Masses: (St. Nicholas Chapel) archives, exhibits, educational Ph. 232-4255 www.fbcokc.org Mon-Fri. @ Noon, Sacrament of Reconciliation: Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.; Worship: 10:30 Mon-Fri. 11:15 a.m. Sat. 3:15-3:50 p.m. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help programs and publications the a.m. Wednesday: Dinner 5p.m.; 3214 N. Lake Ave., OKC, OK 73118 OHS chronicles the rich history Bible Study 6 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Ph. 525-2349 of Oklahoma. St. Joseph Old Cathedral N.W. 7th and Robinson Pastor: Rev. John Metzinger For more information about 307 N.W. 4th St., OKC, OK 73101 www.stpaulsokc.org Ph. 235-3436 Weekend Masses: Sat. @ 5 p.m., Sun. @ 8 the Oklahoma History Center, Ph. 235-4565 Sunday Holy Eucharist: 8, 9, 11 a.m. a.m., 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m. (V.N.) visit okhistory.org. Page 9 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter EMBARK celebrates installation of 100th bus shelter By Darla Shelden City Sentinel Reporter

EMBARK and partner Tyler Outdoor is celebrating the in- stallation of its 100th bus shel- ter. Over the last year, 100 bus stops throughout Oklahoma City have received new shel- ters. Now, more stops offer cus- tomers overhead shelter and a renewed sense of security and accessibility when using public transit. In addition, new shelters in- clude security lighting, ADA- EMBARK, along with partner Tyler Outdoor, is celebrating the installation of its compliant sidewalk connec- 100th bus shelter. Photo provided. tions, and trash receptacles. The 100th shelter installa- tion is located at S.W. 23 St. and Walker Ave. This particular shelter was funded by a neighborhood proj- ect grant that was awarded to the College Hill/Capitol Hill Neighborhood Association OKC VA launches “Wear it for from The City of Oklahoma City Planning Department’s Them!” face mask campaign Strong Neighborhoods Initia- tive (SNI). By Darla Shelden EMBARK celebrated the City Sentinel Reporter 100-shelter milestone with Ward 4 Councilman Todd With the recent spike in Stone and Tyler Outdoor on EMBARK is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and convenient public trans- coronavirus cases in Oklaho- July 1. portation and downtown parking solutions to the Oklahoma City area. Facebook ma, the CDC, the US Surgeon photo. Since December 2014, EM- General and other doctors are BARK has upgraded 208 bus now urging the widespread use stops with new shelters. The of masks and face coverings. most recent EMBARK custom- To support this initiative, er survey revealed the “avail- the Oklahoma City VA Med- ability of accessible bus stops” ical Center has launched a as the single most important ters with security lighting and riding the EMBARK buses for campaign called “Wear it for service rating among custom- ADA-compliant sidewalk con- 27 years from my house to my Them!” to raise awareness on ers using EMBARK transit. nections are planned. Over 50 work at the Downtown library. the “importance of all of us The Oklahoma City VA Medical Center has launched the “Wear it for Them!” mask campaign to raise awareness of the importance of everyone doing their “Annually, we ask for feed- percent of bus customers use Doing so has saved thousands doing our part to protect our- part to protect themselves and each other. Photo provided. back from our customers. Last EMBARK services 5+ days per of miles on my car as well as selves and each other.” year, two areas were identi- week, making it crucial for the expense of gas and mainte- “But we have seen time and fied for improvement - bus stop proper shelters to offer safety nance. time again that many Oklaho- amenities and access to bus and accessibility to those using “The library reimburses me mans are not wearing them,” stops,” said EMBARK Admin- EMBARK for essential transit for the bus pass as they pay for says the OKC VA press release. istrator Jason Ferbrache. service. parking since there’s no free Audrey Umhoefer, OKC VA “Thanks to our Board of The business unit of the parking downtown, as there is Public Affairs Officer said, Trustees, OKC City Council, Central Oklahoma Transpor- at the other library locations. I “Our message is that we are all and Tyler Outdoor, we were tation & Parking Authority can take cat naps and catch up in this together.” able to put a plan in motion to (COTPA) – a public trust ad- on my magazine reading on the Scientists have made many improve our customers’ experi- ministered by the City of Okla- rides.” recent discoveries about this ence. homa City, EMBARK is re- Embark provides other new coronavirus, including: “Together, we set an ambi- sponsible for providing safe, ef- transportation services for the It’s easy to spread this virus tious goal of installing 100 new ficient, and convenient public general public, people with dis- by just talking or breathing; bus shelters in one year, and transportation and downtown abilities, senior citizens and this coronavirus is highly con- we are excited to have met that parking solutions to the greater commuters, as well as Oklaho- tagious; this virus has a long in- goal.” Oklahoma City area. ma River transport. cubation period – up to 14 days The CDC says the public needs to “cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face As part of the MAPS 4 Tran- Oklahoma City resident For more information, visit – giving a wide window of op- cover when around others.” The OKC VA is asking everyone to be a patriot - Pro- sit project, 500 additional shel- James Nimmo said, “I’ve been embarkok.com. portunity for people to infect tect your fellow Oklahomans and “Wear it for them!” File photo. others before they even know with asthma, at risk for severe that requires everyone who en- they’re infected. illness, people with HIV, those ters our facility to wear a mask The CDC now says the pub- with liver disease, and people or face covering and partici- lic needs to “cover your mouth who are immunocompromised. pate in a health screening pri- and nose with a cloth face cov- Many conditions can cause a or to entering. This will help er when around others.” The person to be immunocompro- stop the spread of COVID-19 CDC also said widespread mised, including cancer treat- and protect our most vulner- In a strongly-worded dissent in mask usage could benefit ev- ment, smoking, bone marrow able. the recent ‘McGirt v. Oklahoma’ eryone: “Your cloth face cov- or organ transplantation, im- “If you do not have a mask, case, decided by a 5-4 vote, U.S. ering may protect them. Their mune deficiencies, and pro- we can provide you with one. Supreme Court Justice Clarence cloth face covering may pro- longed use of corticosteroids If there is a reason you are not Thomas wrote: tect you,” the CDC stated. and other immune weakening able to wear a mask please let “I agree with the chief justice According to the press re- medications. us know.” that the Court misapplies our prec- lease, the VA has been a lead- Those who choose not to In order to achieve a ‘Healthy edents in granting petitioner relief. er in patient safety for years wear a mask or face covering Visit’ and prevent the spread of ... But in doing so, the Court also and is becoming an enterprise- are putting their own lives, coronavirus, OKC VA recom- overrides Oklahoma’s statutory wide High Reliability Orga- their families, their friends, mends the following: Wear a procedural bar, upsetting a vio- nization (HRO). By adopting and their communities at risk. mask or face coverings at all lent sex offender’s conviction with- high reliability principles, the The OKC VA is asking ev- times; practice social distanc- out the power to do so. The State of VA more formally represents eryone to be a patriot - Protect ing; avoid touching your eyes, Oklahoma deserves more respect the next step for delivering the your fellow Oklahomans. Wear nose, and mouth; wash your under our Constitution’s federal best health care to Veterans. it for them! hands frequently; and leave the system. Therefore, I respectfully File photo of Justice Thomas Umhoefer said, “Pursuing OKC VA Visitation Poli- facility as soon as your visit is dissent.” these principles nationwide is cy - The Oklahoma City VA is over. our pledge to empower staff still limiting visitation at this Those who are “at high risk” and keep Veterans the safest time (with exception of end are strongly encouraged to not they can be on our watch. The of life situations or a primary visit the facility unless they ‘Wear it for Them’ campaign caretaker.) Visitors are asked have emergent needed care or Ponca City native Wes helps VA staff to demonstrate to not bring children under the treatment. Those visitors are and support our HRO Values.” age of 18 to the hospital. asked to contact the OKC VA Hawkins gets second chance Veterans are at Higher OKC VA Visitation Guide- 24/7 Nurse Triage Line at 405- Risk – According to the CDC, lines state: “We are very sor- 456-1000, option 3. through LifeShare a person with COVID-19 can ry for the inconvenience, but Veterans are urged to con- By Darla Shelden years of his life, thanks to new lack symptoms and transmit your safety and the safety of tinue to use the Oklahoma City City Sentinel Reporter medicine which turned his life the virus to others and not others is at the forefront of ev- VA Virtual Care options for around. even know it. This can be ex- erything we do. If you have a most primary care and mental LifeShare, a nonprofit, feder- He was able to spend time tremely dangerous for the most scheduled VA appointment, health services. ally designated organ procure- in the outdoors landscaping, vulnerable population which we are asking everyone to fol- For more information, visit ment organization (OPO), is reading on his patio, spending includes: older adults, people low the guidance of the CDC connectedcare.va.gov. dedicated to the recovery of or- time with friends and family, gans and tissue for transplant and even participating in two purposes. 5K runs. Thanks to a LifeShare of Wes graduated college with Oklahoma organ donation, Wes a Bachelors degree in Hotel Ponca City native Wes Hawkins, diag- nosed with cystic fibrosis and the age Hawkins is the recipient of a and Restaurant Administration of three, is the recipient of a success- life-saving lung transplant. and began pursuing a career as ful lung transplant operation thanks A native of Ponca City, a restaurant manager. to the LifeShare organ donation pro- Hawkins was three years old In May 2019, Wes returned gram. Photo provided. when he was diagnosed with home from a vacation with ist and underwent two proce- Cystic Fibrosis. His parents friends. As he prepared for dures. encouraged him from a young a busy weekend at work, he Two weeks into his hospital age to not let his condition stop awoke in the middle of the stay, the doctor mentioned the him from living his life. night and was coughing up word transplant. Working hard to make ev- blood. He spent that week- Wes knew that he would ery day count, Wes went to col- end in two emergency rooms, lege and lived some of the best saw his cystic fibrosis special- continued on page 10 Page 10 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 COMMUNITY See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Ponca City native Wes Hawkins gets second chance through LifeShare continued from page 9 were a perfect match, Wes went into surgery feeling eventually hear that he need- confident, knowing ed a transplant, but hoped he had been prayed to avoid it if he could. By the for thousands of next afternoon, Wes began the times. transplant evaluation process. Today, Wes is al- On Aug. 8 of that year, Wes most one year post- tantly, we have had incredible received a call from the trans- transplant. One of his big- support and generosity from plant team that changed his gest triumphs was returning the citizens of Oklahoma, life. to the gym and actually mak- without which our lifesaving The team informed Wes ing progress. Learning that work would not be possible. that there was a potential he could run again was such “We encourage Oklaho- match and he needed to get to a freeing experience after be- mans to continue registering the hospital as soon as possi- ing held back for many years to be organ, eye and tissue CASA of Oklahoma County, the Police Athletic League and the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, invite the public to the ble. This was Wes’ fifth offer because of poor lung function. donors so more lives can be CASA on the Move: Picnic in the Park at Myriad Gardens on Wednesday, Aug. 5, Facebook photo. for lungs, all not panning out Wes now has plans to travel saved.” to be a transplant for him. to London and Ireland where Oklahomans can give the Wes yelled to his mom to his family originated. gift of life by registering to be CASA of Oklahoma County to host tell her the news, exclaiming, “Who knows what else an organ, eye and tissue donor “Mom, I got the call.” Within might peak my interest,” Wes at LifeShareRegistry.org. a few minutes, their bags were said. “I was given this second social distance picnic and mask LifeShare works closely packed and they were headed chance at life – and now I get with four transplant centers to the hospital. to live.” and 145 healthcare organiza- giveaway Once they arrived at the LifeShare honors those who tions in the state of Oklaho- By Darla Shelden hospital, the medical team have received the gift of life, ma to facilitate donation. Ad- City Sentinel Reporter began making sure he was and remembers those who be- ditionally, the organization healthy enough to receive a came donors. works to raise awareness for CASA of Oklahoma County transplant, which included “I am incredibly proud of organ, eye and tissue donation invites the public to the CASA blood work, an x-ray, paper- the work LifeShare has done and transplantation through on the Move: Picnic in the Park work, and meeting with the this year to help save lives,” public education. at Myriad Gardens on Wednes- surgeon and anesthesiologist. said Jeffrey Orlowski, Presi- day, Aug. 5, near the amphi- After receiving confirma- dent and Chief Executive Offi- For more information, visit theater area. CASA is partner- tion that evening the lungs cer of LifeShare. “Most impor- lifeshareok.org. ing with the Police Athletic League and the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation to host a bring-your-own-lunch, social distance Info Session and PPE (personal protection equip- ment) mask giveaway from 11 CASA of Oklahoma County director of recruitment Kathy North displays one of a.m. - 2 p.m. the masks that will be available at the social distancing picnic and info session During the come-and-go on Aug. 5. Photo provided. event, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the vocates (CASA) of Oklahoma collaborating groups and grab a County provides trained vol- gift bag with goodies and a pro- unteers to be champions for the Sharing Hometown Recipes, Cooking Tips and Coupons tective hand-made mask, while individualized best interests of supplies last. children in foster care. By Janet Tharpe A proud United Way Part- According to the website, ner Agency, CASA of Oklaho- CASA volunteers get to know Treat Your Taste Buds to New Orleans Bread Pudding ma County, Inc. is a registered the children and communicate 501(c)(3) nonprofit, each year with all parties in the case and serving more than a third of the people in the child’s life in or- “Delicious children in foster care in Okla- der to provide complete infor- like a warm homa County. mation and sound recommen- “CASA volunteers are still dations to the court. As “the hug!” out and still serving foster eyes and ears” of the judge, the youth from our county,” said the community and was over- CASA volunteer offers a neu- Kathy North, CASA’s Director whelmed with an outpouring of tral, third-party opinion to the of Recruitment. “The pandem- support. court, one that is unbiased and ic has not stopped child abuse North said CASA is using the child-focused. or neglect. And it has certainly opportunity to make sure their Annually, there are over not stopped CASA volunteers surplus of child- and adult- 9,000 Oklahoma children in from safely advocating for the sized masks are put to use. foster care. CASA serves the best interests of foster youth “With schools about to re- most difficult of the abuse who are involved in our child open, protecting the health of and neglect cases in Oklaho- welfare system. foster children means protect- ma County. “The picnic event is a great ing the health of all children For more information, con- our taste buds will take a trip to Louisiana when you opportunity to enjoy the out- and their families,” she said. tact CASA at 405-900-5100. To Ytry Linda Elmenhorst’s New Orleans Bread Pudding. doors while learning more “We hope anyone with children learn more about other CASA This dessert is perfectly light and fluffy while still remaining about organizations serving the will come down and pick out programs around the state, visit warm and hearty. The bourbon sauce is just right–far from Oklahoma County community.” their protective masks while the Oklahoma CASA Associa- overpowering–so don’t be deterred! Have a second helping Recently, CASA solicited we have some extras available.” tion website at oklahomacasa. cloth mask donations from Court Appointed Special Ad- org. for me. See step-by-step photos of Linda’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks nationwide at: www.justapinch.com/breadpudding Linda Elmenhorst You’ll also find a meal planner, coupons and chances to Oilton, OK (Pop. 1,013) win! Enjoy and remember, use “just a pinch”... -Janet New Orleans Bread Pudding “Our job is to support peaceful demonstra- tion but what has happened on these streets What You Need Directions over the last two weeks is lawless and it’s 1 loaf french bread • Tear bread in pieces and Bourbon Sauce: brutal and bottom line it is simply unaccept- soak in milk at least one 1 qt milk • In a saucepan, mix able. I was just stunned by the amount of hour. 1 cup sugar, 1 stick 3 eggs graffiti, garbage and property destruction.” • Beat eggs with sugar butter, 1 egg beaten – Seattle Police Chief Carmen Best said as 1 1/2 c sugar and vanilla. Add to and 3 tbsp bourbon her officers began to clear the protest zone. 1 c raisins bread mixture. Stir in whiskey. raisins. 2 tbsp vanilla • Cook on low heat until Photo: Carmen Best, Chief of Police • Melt 3 tbsp butter in sugar has dissolved. in Seattle, speaking in early July 3 tbsp butter oblong 9x13 baking Stir constantly. For Bourbon Sauce dish. Pour pudding into dish. Bake at 350 1 stick butter degrees for 1 hour. 1 c sugar • Let cool. Cut into CHECK 1 egg, beaten serving cubes and place 3 tbsp bourbon whiskey in bowls. Top with OUT OUR bourbon sauce. WEB SITE Submitted by: Linda Elmenhorst, Oilton, OK (Pop. 1,013) www.City-Sentinel.com www.justapinch.com/breadpudding Brought to you by American Hometown Media Page 11 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 LEGAL NEWS See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Musings on the most important decision in Oklahoma history, ‘McGirt v. Oklahoma’ By Patrick B. McGuigan Country” and putting it in quo- from 1907 to today. lengthy dissenting opinion was ligent people of good will now in place certain advantages Publisher tation marks is not a sneer. In a way, that seems fair, but joined by Justices Samuel Alito, feel read the above paragraph that have, over time, flowed Indian Country is not a fic- in another way it is folly. Brett Kavanagh and (except for at least third times. The Rob- through case law and adminis- NOTE: This is adapted from tion, it is a fact. Reading the Aside from the criminal one reference) Clarence Thom- erts dissent is more attentive trative fiat to the major tribes, a longer version which appeared majority and dissenting opin- cases, after nearly two centu- as. His dissent should be stud- to text and legal history than most important to the Chicka- previously at City-Sentinel.com, ions, a reader can learn at least ries, many pre-statehood tribal ied carefully. his pronouncements in other saw Nation, the most powerful and CapitolBeatOK.com, enti- quite a bit (but not everything) lands developed into privately Roberts distilled his reason- cases. tribal entity in Oklahoma. tled “Musings on ‘McGirt’, the about the confusing shades of held property. ing with these final words: “As The U.S. Supreme Court de- These advantages have over most significant federal court gray that cloud understanding Justice Gorsuch’s view is the the Creek, the State of Oklaho- cision in ‘McGirt v. Oklahoma’ many years locked in unfair decision in Oklahoma’s history.” of “Indian County.” new interpretation of law. The ma, the United States, and our is, for the state of Oklahoma, advantages for the Big Tribes In July, the U.S. Supreme In many places deemed In- majority opinion became must- judicial predecessors have long existential. The majority opin- over the smaller nations. A Court issued the most signifi- dian Country, tribes exercise a reading at the moment of its is- agreed, Congress disestablished ion throws the legal jurisdic- clash between the Chickasaw cant legal decision in Oklaho- lot of jurisdiction and day-to- suance. He concluded his opin- tion of much of the state into and Comanche is still active ma’s history. day governance over major as- ion thus: question. It may take decades in the federal judiciary, while Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote pects of daily life. These parts “The federal government to resolve the confusion. a new version of what analysts for the majority: “On the far of America are called reserva- promised the Creek a reserva- call the “land fix” (favorable to end of the Trail of Tears was a tions, in a time-honored sense tion in perpetuity. Over time, Clarence Thomas got it the Chickasaw) is pending in promise. Forced to leave their of the word. Congress has diminished that right Congress. ancestral lands in Georgia and There are other places reservation. It has sometimes In his dissent, Justice Thom- I have outlined the McGirt Alabama, the Creek Nation re- deemed “Indian Country” restricted and other times ex- as captures the jurisprudence case, not hiding my convic- ceived assurances that their new which are not, however, reser- panded the Tribe’s authority. I honor – the tradition of the tions. lands in the West would be se- vations – but land held in trust But Congress has never with- late Judge Robert Bork, Su- The best way for any reader cure forever.” by the ultimate sovereign, the drawn the promised reserva- preme Court Justice Antonin to decide how she or he real- He cited the 1832 treaty be- U.S. government. On these tion. As a result, many of the Scalia, and Thomas himself. ly feels is not to linger in an- lands, a tribal nation or nations arguments before us today fol- There are shades of differ- ger or joy, but to study this his- can exercise meaningful but low a sadly familiar pattern. ence among the trio, but most toric ruling. Remember, it was not ultimate control. Yes, promises were made, but of time, I agree with their rea- 5-4. And there have been times States are allowed to exer- the price of keeping them has soning that pas- cise considerable power in non- become too great, so now we U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice about im- sionate reservation “Indian Country.” should just cast a blind eye. We John Roberts p o r t a n t d i s s ent s The history of Oklahoma reject that thinking. If Congress matters b e c o m e has been governed by an un- wishes to withdraw its promis- any Creek reservation more of law. the basis derstanding (or belief or cus- es, it must say so. Unlawful acts, than 100 years ago.” Thom- for new tomary practice) that the state performed long enough and The chief justice began the as said majorities had no reservations (except with sufficient vigor, are nev- dissent with this summation of the ma- that shift perhaps – another challenging er enough to amend the law. To the majority’s impact: jority s l i g h t l y matter – Osage County). hold otherwise would be to ele- “In 1997, the State of Okla- “revers- or signif- The state of Oklahoma’s vate the most brazen and long- homa convicted petitioner Jim- es a state i c a n t l y laws and policies generally standing injustices over the law, cy McGirt of molesting, raping, c o u r t old prec- have prevailed in non-reserva- both rewarding wrong and fail- and forcibly sodomizing a four- judgment edents. tion Indian Country, subject, ing those in the right.” year-old girl, his wife’s grand- that it has T h e U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch however, to evolving compacts The 5-4 majority reversed daughter. McGirt was sentenced no juris- major- between tribes and the state. an Oklahoma Court of Crimi- to 1,000 years plus life in pris- diction to ity and tween the U.S. and the Creek nal Appeals ruling. Oklaho- on. Today, the Court holds that review.” dissent- Nation, which guaranteed In ‘McGirt’, Nixon’s slow mans will learn over time how Oklahoma lacked jurisdiction Review- ing opin- lands west of the Mississippi transformation becomes “wrong” gets defined in Con- to prosecute McGirt — on the ing prec- ions for to the tribe, and that no “State seismic gress, this state and again in improbable ground that, unbe- e d e n t , ‘ M c G i r t or Territory [shall] ever have a President Richard Nixon the courts. knownst to anyone for the past Thomas reasoned that “Under v. Oklahoma’ can be viewed right to pass laws for the gov- triggered a new sensitivity to Difficult and contentious century, a huge swathe of Okla- this well-settled rule, we lack here: supremecourt.gov ernment of such Indians, but tribal powers, something many matters, involving both crim- homa is actually a Creek In- jurisdiction to review the Okla- they shall be allowed to govern do not note when considering inal law property rights, are dian reservation, on which the homa Court of Criminal Ap- Disclosure: Publisher of The themselves.” his presidency. He signed more ahead. State may not prosecute seri- peals’ decision, because it rests City Sentinel newspaper,, Pat Outlining the bare essen- new laws and funding mecha- Attorney General Mike ous crimes committed by Indi- on an adequate and indepen- McGuigan is the author of three tials of sex crimes committed nisms benefiting tribes than Hunter’s office has literally ar- ans like McGirt. Not only does dent state ground.” He agreed books and editor of seven, in- by a Seminole Indian, Gorsuch any predecessor. In the post- gued both sides of important the Court discover a Creek res- that court “misapplies our cluding ‘Crime and Punishment noted that Jimcy McGirt, “has Nixon modern era, renewed aspects of the issues raised in ervation that spans three mil- precedents,” but asserted “the in Modern America (1985). Mc- argued in post conviction pro- sensitivity to tribal sovereign- the ‘McGirt’ case (and the sep- lion acres and includes most of Court also overrides Oklaho- Guigan won first place in Di- ceedings that the State lacked ty has resulted in a methodical arate but intertwined ‘Murphy’ the city of Tulsa, but the Court’s ma’s statutory procedural bar, versity news for his 2012 report jurisdiction to prosecute him slow motion transformation. case). reasoning portends that there upsetting a violent sex offend- on the late Archie Hoffman’s ef- because he is an enrolled mem- ‘McGirt’, however will likely With Hunter leading the are four more such reservations er’s conviction without the pow- fort to restore the land around ber of the Seminole Nation yield seismic transformation. first wave, it took only a few in Oklahoma. The rediscovered er to do so. The State of Okla- Fort Reno, in western Oklaho- of Oklahoma and his crimes Gorsuch gives his view on days for any pretense of ‘United reservations encompass the en- homa deserves more respect un- ma, to the Cheyenne & Arapa- took place on the Creek Res- the last two centuries of his- for Oklahoma’ rhetoric to col- tire eastern half of the State — der our Constitution’s federal ho Tribes. Richard J. Grellner, ervation.” Gorsuch posed the tory touching tribal lands in lapse into confusing division. 19 million acres that are home system. Therefore, I respectful- principal owner of the Frost En- question, “Did he commit his eastern Oklahoma. He puts the to 1.8 million people, only 10% - ly dissent.” tertainment LLC dba The City crimes in Indian country?” burden on Congress to address Four justices agree ‘Con- 15% of whom are Indians.” Sentinel, is an attorney who the practical consequences of gress disestablished any Gorsuch and Roberts are Wrapping up: The Lay of has worked for smaller trib- Notes about “Indian innumerable changes in dai- Creek reservation more both intelligent, as is each the Land (Fix) al nations. He has argued sev- Country” and Reservations ly life for tribal members and than 100 years ago’ and every justice. To under- U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla- eral cases in opposition to the Using the term “Indian their non-Indian neighbors Chief Justice John Roberts’ stand the anxiety many intel- homa, has long sought to lock Chickasaw Nation and allies. Oklahoma Senate President Pro Temp Greg Treat announces Interim Studies Staff Report said. use and the need to implement health outcomes for individuals This legislative interim social distancing due to CO- with diabetes.” The leader of the Oklahoma presents logistical challeng- VID, we limited each senator Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma Senate released the list of ap- es which led to fewer interim to no more than two approved City, will, with the Health and proved studies for the 2020 in- studies being approved, Treat study requests. There are some Human Services Committee, terim. Senators submitted 64 said. Due to the ongoing reno- great topics to cover this year work “A study on transitions requests and Senate President vation of the Capitol, the Sen- and I look forward to what for individuals with intellectu- Pro Tempore Greg Treat, R- ate only has one available com- ideas develop during interim al or developmental disabilities Oklahoma City, said that 39 mittee room for use this inter- studies,” Treat said. from public schools to further study requests were approved. im. Treat also said the Senate Sen. George Young, D-Okla- education, employment, and in- Treat’s announcement came as intends to implement social homa City, will lead a pair dependent living.” The City Sentinel went to press. distancing due to COVID-19 of studies, both through the Sen. Treat will guide an IS on Treat said the study requests which further limits the ability Rules Committee. The first “Law Enforcement Policies: use were assigned to the standing to hold more studies. is a “Study on equality issues of force, de-escalation, and real Senate policy committee with “In a typical year, we can ac- relating to racial discrimina- world applications,” work with jurisdiction over the subject commodate most interim study tion and bias, state agencies the Public Safety Committee. Greg Treat Sen. George Young matter of the request. Now that requests. But this is not a typi- and employees, communities, The list of approved studies the studies have been assigned tee chairs will determine when cal year. With only one Senate organizations and businesses ways to incentivize and grow is available at the state Senate to Senate committees, commit- to conduct the studies, Treat committee room available for of this state.” The second is “A minority businesses in histori- website. When meetings for the study on community racial im- cally disadvantaged locations, interim studies are scheduled, pact statements, specifically to be managed with the Sen- Senate committees will send proposed legislation’s effects ate Business, Commerce and hearing notices, which also on the incarceration rate of Tourism Committee. will be published on the Senate certain demographics and bur- Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklaho- website. geoning DOC [Department of ma City, will guide, with the Treat said interim studies Corrections] population.” Senate Retirement and Insur- must be completed by Friday, Sen. Michael Brooks-Jimenez, ance Committee an IS “Exam- Oct. 30. D-Oklahoma City, secured sup- ining the diabetes standards NOTE: Pat McGuigan con- port for an IS focused On “Mi- of care and needed insurance tributed to this report. nority Businesses: to explore coverage to prevent negative www.capitolbeatOK.com

CHECKOUT OUR WEB SITE www.City-Sentinel.com Page 12 www.city-sentinel.com August 2020 ENTERTAINMENT See us online, and on Facebook and Twitter Stroll the Paseo Arts Brightmusic Chamber Ensemble District on First Friday, Offers Virtual Summer Festival – A August 7 Beethoven Festival to honor his 250th Staff Report online this year. Students are selected for Birthday Each First Friday of the this exciting opportunity Staff Report Beloved” month, the community is in- through statewide auditions Adelaide for vited to stroll the historic Pas- and learn from nationally re- In August, the Brightmusic Clarinet and Pia- eo Arts District. Though most nowned artists. Chamber Ensemble will pres- no, Op. 46 (arr. By Paseo galleries have reopened Though instruction looked ent its 17th annual chamber mu- Muller) with abbreviated hours, only a dramatically different than in sic festival, an all-Beethoven Violin Sonata handful will be open for First past years, the students’ tal- program celebrating the 250th No. 9 in A major, Friday. ent and the quality of the work birthday of one of classical Op. 47 “Kreutzer” Restaurants will be open for they’ve created is sure to as- music’s seminal figures, Lud- patio seating and takeout. All tonish viewers. wig van Beethoven. CONCERT 4 guests are required to wear a Each student is represent- For the safety of our pa- “Joyful Winds” mask or face covering indoors, ed by one piece of artwork trons and musicians, the fes- Duo for Clarinet practice social distancing and in a variety of mediums such tival will be offered by live and Bassoon, No. 1 use provided hand sanitizer as photography, painting and stream through the website in C major, WoO 27 when shopping. drawing. Tour de Quartz will and shared on Facebook in four Trio in E-flat This month’s First Friday is be on display in the PACC at virtual concerts on Aug. 20, 21, major, Op. 38, for Aug. 7, 6 - 9 p.m. You can find 3024 Paseo Aug. 7 - 29 and will 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. clarinet, cello and more information about how then continue to tour through- In a generous gesture of sup- piano (arr. Beetho- to support your favorite shops out Oklahoma. Visit oaiquartz. port, two City-area churches ven) and restaurants during their org for more information. are allowing recording ses- new hours at thepaseo.org/ Images from the Black Lives sions in early August for mu- Virtual Virtuosos appear- support-paseo. Matter protests in Oklahoma sicians to do their recording ing: Enjoy a live music perfor- City taken by Ryan Magnani, and video work for the on- Gregory Lee & Katrin Stama- mance by pretty well, the solo Michael Steinman and Eric line events. Brightmusic offi- tis (violin), Mark Neumann (vi- noise-making endeavor of Waltman will remain on dis- cers say the ensemble will re- ola), Jonathan Ruck & Meredith Zachary Valladon. An Okla- play through Aug. 29. Prints turn to its ‘home’ at St. Paul’s Blecha-Wells (cello), Chad Bur- homa City transplant and mu- of the photos are for sale with Episcopal Cathedral for future row (clarinet), Larry Reed (bas- sician from Los Angeles with proceeds benefitting Black events. soon), Andrew Ranson (tenor), a propensity for laziness and Lives Matter. More images The program will feature and Amy I-Lin Cheng (piano). writing indie songs, pretty and resources can be found at duos and trios, limiting the Recording engineer: Matt Hor- well will perform 6:30 - 8:30 thehouseokc.com/blacklives- OSAI at Home number of musicians to main- ton p.m. at the red “Flamenco” matter. tain social distancing and The Brightmusic press re- sculpture in the center of the Oklahoma City’s Unique ing distance. Ten restaurants demonstrating how much mu- lease for this event asked district. Arts Destination, the Pas- and a handful of shops round sic the German master could these important questions: So The Paseo Arts & Creativ- eo Arts District is located out the Paseo’s distinctive at- coax from only a few instru- why would the world be mak- ity Center presents Tour de between N.W. 27th & 30th mosphere. Amy I-Lin Cheng ments in the hands of virtuo- ing such a fuss in the middle Quartz, an exhibition of art- Streets and Walker & Hud- For more information, call sos. Join us online to take part of the worst global health cri- the ensemble’s featured per- work created by Oklahoma son. Each First Friday, Paseo the Paseo Arts Association in the worldwide celebration of sis in over 100 years? Who was formers, told The City Sentinel high school students dur- galleries offer special themed at (405) 525-2688 or email the man who changed music. Beethoven and why does he the group is grateful to First ing the 2020 Oklahoma Sum- exhibits, refreshments, guest [email protected]. Vis- The festival is available to deserve all this attention? Presbyterian Church in Nor- mer Arts Institute at Quartz artists and a variety of live en- it thepaseo.org/join for mem- the general public through the Born in Bonn in 1770, the man, and First Baptist Church Mountain, which took place tertainment - all within walk- bership information. website, brightmusic.org and boy Beethoven would, like in downtown Oklahoma City. shared on Facebook, facebook. most other boys of the day, go The two institutions are allow- com/BrightmusicOK. After into the family business — mu- ing Brightmusic to use their fa- the initial release date, the fes- sic in his case. cilities to record the upcoming tival will be available anytime. Despite poverty and a dys- performances at no charge. functional family, he man- She explained, “Both venues The works on the program aged to get an adequate musi- have large sanctuaries with are: cal grounding before relocat- Steinway pianos. They are CONCERT 1 “Distant Be- ing to Vienna at the age of 22. very welcoming.” loved” Over the next three and a half Brightmusic Chamber En- The Mae Ruth Swanson Me- decades he overcame ill health, semble, Oklahoma City’s own morial Concert chronic depression and deaf- chamber ensemble, normally Romance in F major for vio- ness to become the most cele- presents fine classical cham- lin and piano, Op. 50 brated composer in Europe by ber music in acoustically-rich An die ferne Geliebte, Op. 98 the time of his death in 1827. St. Paul’s Cathedral at N.W. 7th Piano Trio in B-flat major, Today, Beethoven is regard- and N. Robinson near down- Op. 11 ed as one of the most influen- town Oklahoma City (when tial figures in the history of there isn’t a pandemic going CONCERT 2 “Celebratory music. Beethoven was pivotal on). Cello” in the transition from the Eigh- For more information and Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. teen Century Classical style of updates, visit brightmusic.org. 5, No. 2 Mozart and Haydn to Roman- Disclosure: Publisher Pat String Trio in G major, Op. ticism, which would dominate McGuigan contributed to this 9, No. 1 the Nineteenth Century. report. He is a member of the Amy I-Lin Cheng, an offi- Brightmusic Society of Oklaho- CONCERT 3 “Immortal cer for Brightmusic and one of ma’s Board of Directors.

“I don’t want to defund the police. I don’t want to tear down statues. What about my freedom of speech? I want to be united as Americans. Congress and Senators... Can you hear me?” – Herschel Walker in a July 3 tweet

Photo: Herschel Walker in 2018. FIRST FRIDAY Friday, August 7, 2020 • 6-9pm Live Music by pretty well We ask that all visitors please: • Wear a mask indoors • Be respectful to others ARTS DISTRICT • Practice social distancing In the Paseo Arts & Creativity Center at 3024 Paseo GALLERY ONE • Images from the Black Lives Matter OKC Protests GALLERY TWO • Tour de Quartz A selection of student work from the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain On display August 7-29 Local and national art, great food, art classes and plenty of shopping!

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.City-Sentinel.com #FirstFridayPaseo 405.525.2688 • thepaseo.org