The Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus
17th Annual A.C. Hamlin Awards Banquet

I had the pleasure of attending the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus' awards banquet last night at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Those honored included Mr. Russell Perry; Dr. John A. Reed, Jr.; Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Goodwin (posthumously); Mrs. Thelma R. Parks; Mr. Albert Johnson; and Mr. Clyde Madden.

Current Black Caucus members include five Democrats and one Republican. They are Sen. Judy Eason-McIntyre, Sen. Constance Johnson, Rep. Anastasia Pittman, Rep. Jabar Shumate, Rep. Mike Shelton, and Rep. T.W. Shannon.

Former members of the caucus who were recognized and present included Angela Z. Monson and Vicki Miles-LaGrange. Other African Americans who have served in teh Oklahoma State Legislature include: A.C. Hamlin, John B. White, Curtis Lawson, E. Melvin Porter, Archibald Hill, A. Visanio Johnson, Ben Hill, Hannah Atkins, Bernard McIntyre, Kevin Cox, Don Ross, Freddye Williams, Maxine Horner, and Opio Toure.

Special recognition and appreciation was given to the Assistants of the Black Caucus Members including Roxanne Blystone, Gayle Brown, Trena Byas, Cathy Chamberlain, Gracie Monson, and Linda Richardson.