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Freedom City Oklahoma

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Our Story​

The Freedom Center of Oklahoma City preserves the history of Oklahoma’s civil rights movement while creating opportunities for education, dialogue, and community engagement.

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MISSION​

The Freedom Center of OKC endeavors to educate, empower and enlighten our nation to reflect on the past, present and future of the Civil Rights Movement in Oklahoma and to develop facilities and programs to effect the mission of the organization.

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VISION

The vision for the Freedom Center of Oklahoma City is to have a world without racism and bigotry and to provide a historical preservation of the Civil Rights Movement here in OKC and beyond through facilities, education, and empowerment.

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Past

The Freedom Center preserves the stories, sacrifices, and activism that shaped Oklahoma’s civil rights movement. Through archival preservation, oral histories, and exhibitions, we ensure these stories remain accessible for generations to come.

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Present

Today, the Freedom Center serves as a gathering place for dialogue, education, exhibitions, community programming, and public engagement centered around equity, justice, and civic participation.

Future

The Clara Luper Civil Rights Center will expand this mission through immersive educational experiences, exhibitions, youth engagement, and national conversations about civil rights and democracy.

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

The Freedom Center of Oklahoma City connects history, education, and community through storytelling, exhibitions, civic dialogue, and cultural preservation. Through the historic Freedom Center and the future Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, we honor the courage of the past while inspiring future generations to lead with purpose.

OUR HISTORY

Lest we forget.

The Freedom Center’s roots are deeply connected to Oklahoma City’s civil rights movement and the legacy of educator and activist Clara Luper.

Luper taught her students and others in the community to employ nonviolent means to protest injustices. Luper also served as an advisor to the NAACP Youth Council for 50 years, leading countless marches, pickets, and rallies to champion all matters of civil rights. As a teacher, organizer, and leader, Luper inspired generations of young people to challenge segregation and demand equal access through nonviolent protest and civic action. 

Today, the Freedom Center works to preserve these stories through exhibitions, educational programming, oral histories, archival preservation, and public engagement.

OUR HISTORY

Lest we forget.

The Freedom Center’s roots are deeply connected to Oklahoma City’s civil rights movement and the legacy of educator and activist Clara Luper.

Luper taught her students and others in the community to employ nonviolent means to protest injustices. Luper also served as an advisor to the NAACP Youth Council for 50 years, leading countless marches, pickets, and rallies to champion all matters of civil rights. As a teacher, organizer, and leader, Luper inspired generations of young people to challenge segregation and demand equal access through nonviolent protest and civic action. 

Today, the Freedom Center works to preserve these stories through exhibitions, educational programming, oral histories, archival preservation, and public engagement.

1958

The Movement

Today

The Mission Continues

Our Team

Staff

Christina L. Beatty

Executive Director

Jordan Broiles

Programs Manager

Aletheia Couts

Communications Coordinator

Brooke Lefler

Digitization Specialist

Corbin Taggart

Corbin Taggart

Lead Archivist

Maya Williams-Fuhara

Processing Intern

Ashley Wood

Ashley Wood

Processing Intern

Board of Directors

BIO

Aletia Haynes Timmons

Chair 2026-29

BIO

Cecilia Robinson-Woods

Vice Chair 2026-29

BIO

Calvin Whittaker

Treasurer 2026-29

LeDelia Jimerson
BIO

LeDelia Jimerson

Secretary 2026-29

Heather Ahtone
BIO

heather ahtone

2026-29

BIO

Dianna Berry

2026-29

BIO

Rev. Lee E. Cooper, Jr.

2026-29

BIO

David Duplissis

2026-29

BIO

Joyce A. Henderson

2026-29

BIO
Karlos Hill

Karlos K. Hill

2026-29

BIO

Joyce Jackson

2026-29

BIO

Marilyn Luper Hildreth

2026-29

Johnny Nubine
BIO

Rev. Johnny Nubine

2026-29

Garland Pruitt
BIO

Garland Pruitt

2026-29

BIO

Gwenda Roberts

2026-29

BIO

Leonard D. Benton

2026-29

Jim Roth
BIO

Jim A. Roth

2026-29

OUR IMPACT

Transparency & Accountability

The Freedom Center is committed to responsible stewardship, organizational transparency, and community accountability.

us

Community Focused

Guided by the needs of the community

responsibility

Responsible Stewardship

Careful management of resources

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Open & Honest

Transparent reporting and documentation

accounting

Accountable

Holding ourselves to the highest standards

Download center

Access our reports and financial documents.

We make our financial and organizational documents easily accessible because transparency strengthens trust and helps our mission thrive.

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2024 Annual Report

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2025 Annual Report

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2024 IRS Form 990

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2023 IRS Form 990

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2023 Audited Financial Statements

Aletia Haynes Timmons, Chair 2026-29

Aletia Haynes Timmons, JD is Board Chair and State Representative for House District 97. She joined the board as the representative of the Black Lawyers Association. She was admitted in 1986 to practice in the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit and the United States District Court for the Northern, Western, and Eastern Districts of Oklahoma. She was conferred the JD, University of Oklahoma; B.S., Political Science, with a minor in History, Oklahoma State University; a 1979 graduate of John Marshall High School. Prior to election to the District Judgeship in 2014, Judge Timmons was a solo practitioner at her own firm, Timmons & Associates. Before that, she was in private practice with Abel, Musser, Sokolosky, Mares and Kouri Law Firm, where she founded the civil rights and employment law litigation section. Before that, she served in the Civil Division of the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. She began her legal career with General Motors Legal Services. Judge Timmons was Governor David Walters appointee on the Committee on the Status of Women. She also served as the appointee of the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court on the Courts Times Standards Committee. Judge Timmons has also been an instructor at Langston University’s Oklahoma City campus. She is a CLE speaker for the Oklahoma Bar Associations continuing education programs, and she is also a co-founder/sponsor of Jamming Hoop Fest, a summer basketball program designed to keep youth in northeast Oklahoma City out of trouble.

Cecilia Robinson-Woods, EdD, Vice Chair 2026-29

Cecilia J. Robinson‐Woods, EdD is Board Vice Chair. She has been superintendent of Millwood Public Schools in Oklahoma City since 2013. A life-long educator, under her leadership, Millwood Public Schools has become one of the first “Charter Conversion” schools in the state. Because of this distinction from the state, Millwood Public Schools utilizes charter law to advance their mission as a public school, which is to ensure that students are prepared to be Champions in the classroom, in the community and in life. Robinson-Woods works to advance issues that strengthen the greater Oklahoma City community, the northeast Oklahoma City community, and Millwood Public Schools and is a fierce advocate for equity and social justice. She was named the Women of Color “Educator of the Year”; in 2015 and the Women of Color “Woman of the Year” 2022. She currently serves on the State Superintendents Advisory Board; MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Council; MAPS 4 Clara Luper Civil Rights Center Subcommittee; Arnall Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Community Committee; Palomar Board; OSSAA (Oklahoma Secondary Schools Athletics and Activities) Board; Executive Board of USSA (United Suburban Superintendents Assoc) and OASA (OK Assoc of School Admin); DEI Chair for the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma Board; and the Freedom Center of Oklahoma City Board. She is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma City’s Class 33 and serves as a Community Director for the OU Health Inc. Board.

Calvin Whittaker, Treasurer 2026-29

Calvin Whittaker is Board Treasurer, and President, Whittaker Realty Company. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Langston University. Mr. Whittaker retired after 43 years of public service. He was a public-school teacher, an internal auditor for the University of Oklahoma, and finance and accounting employee with Langston University. He worked as an internal auditor for Arthur Anderson & Company. Calvin is the Owner and Broker of Whittaker Realty Company. Calvin and his family are faithful members of Fifth Street Baptist. He served in the Music Ministry and currently serving in the Food and Finance Ministries. Calvin has a passion for cooking and his signature dessert is “Peach Cobbler”. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and provides leadership for national programs targeted to youth development … “Go to High School, Go to College” and “A Voteless People is a Hopeless People”. Calvin is also an avid traveler; always “on-the-go” and loves people. He is quite at home wherever he plants his feet. It is worth mentioning that Calvin NEVER meets a stranger.

LeDelia Jimerson, Secretary 2026-29

LeDelia Janeen Jimerson is board Secretary and a Financial Aid Officer at Oklahoma City Community College. LeDelia is an Oklahoma City native. LeDelia is a graduate of Langston University. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections and is a current student in Entrepreneurial Studies Master’s program. She is an executive board member and serves as the Production Coordinator of the world-renowned Clara Luper’s Miss Black Oklahoma City Pageant. She is an active member of the Delta Alpha Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma Alumni Association. She continues to serve as the coach of Langston University’s Marching Pride Band Flash of Fire Flag line, a group of distinguished young ladies she was a part of and was also the captain. She is a past President of the Oklahoma City NAACP Youth Council, past President of the Oklahoma State NAACP Youth and College Division and former Vice President and charter member of the Langston University NAACP Collegiate Chapter.

heather ahtone, PhD 2026-29

heather ahtone is Senior Curator at First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She and her team are currently developing the inaugural exhibitions for the 175,000 sq. ft. facility addressing the histories, cultures, and arts of the 39 Tribes of Oklahoma. She has worked in the Native arts community since 1993, and is recognized as a curator, arts writer, and researcher. ahtone has worked at the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum (now MoCNA), the Southwestern Association of Indian Arts ( both in Santa Fe, New Mexico), with Ralph Appelbaum Associates (New York), and in several positions at the University of Oklahoma. She has undergraduate degrees in Creative Writing and Printmaking and completed her education with a doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Art History, Anthropology, Native American Studies). She is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and descendant of strong Choctaw women.

ahtone began teaching at the University of Oklahoma in 2007, serving as an adjunct professor at the OU School of Art and Art History. ahtone taught the course “American Indian Women in Art.” Her research and writing has focused on placing contemporary and indigenous Native American art within the context of America’s overall history and culture. ahtone has curated art exhibits with historical Native American artifacts, focusing on documenting the evolution of tribal design and culture. ahtone’s goal has been to develop an interdisciplinary approach to studying indigenous Native American art.

Dianna Berry 2026-29

Dianna Berry is a dedicated public servant. She has a BS and J.D. from Oklahoma City University. She is the former Personnel Director for the City of Oklahoma City, having served in that capacity for over 20 years. She retired after a 35-year career with the City of Oklahoma City to utilize her law degree to continue serving others. She has been licensed to practice law for more than 25 years and is currently a public interest attorney who represents and advocates on behalf of low-income individuals, families, and seniors who have been denied publicly funded health insurance and long-term care coverage.

Rev. Lee E. Cooper, Jr. 2026-29

Reverend Dr. Lee E. Cooper, Jr. is the Senior Pastor of Prospect Baptist Church, and during his career has built a state-of-the-art sanctuary and a youth and education facility. His membership continues to grow to over 1500 members. He has provided leadership for his denomination, including President of the Progressive Oklahoma Baptist Convention, and has served on Oklahoma’s Executive Board of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. He has served on the One Church One Child State Advisory Board and chairman of the Oklahoma City-Wide Martin Luther King Jr. Service. He is Social Action Chairman of Concerned Clergy for Spiritual Renewal. Reverend Cooper is former City Councilman for Ward 7 and has served on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Urban Development Corporation and Foundation and served on the board of the directors of the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City. He served as vice-chairman and board member of KIPP, a college preparatory school. He earned his B.A. at Bishop College in Dallas, Texas and his Master of Divinity at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He has attended the Harvard Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts post-graduate courses.

David Duplissis 2026-29

David Duplissis is an educator with the KIPP Preparatory School. He was a former Vice President, NAACP Youth Council. David is a native of Oklahoma City and is a Douglass High School (OKC) alumnus. As a two-time graduate from Langston University, he possesses a Master of Education in Urban Education and a Bachelor of Science in Corrections. Also, he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Fairview Masonic Lodge number 205. David was the Coordinator of Campus and Community Life at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He provided passionate leadership and service in assisting and providing resources for underrepresented minorities who are interested in the Health Sciences.

Joyce A. Henderson 2026-29

Joyce A. Henderson is a retired Education Administrator of the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Joyce received her B.S. Degree from Langston University, M.Ed. Degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, and Secondary School Administration Certification from the University of Oklahoma. Mrs. Henderson was a principal at five different area high schools in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. She served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet as the Executive Director of School and Community Services. As a member of the NAACP Youth Council, Joyce went to Washington, D.C., with her then teacher the late Clara Luper, to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., deliver his “I Have A Dream” speech. She is a life member of the NAACP and past President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She has provided leadership in many professional, church, and civic organizations. Mrs. Henderson has been the recipient of many awards for her outstanding education career and civic involvement.

Karlos K. Hill, PhD 2026-29

Dr. Karlos K. Hill is Regents’ Associate Professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Oklahoma, with affiliate appointments in the OU History Department and the Schusterman Center for Judaic and Israel Studies.

Dr. Hill is the author of three books: Beyond The Rope: The Impact of Lynching on Black Culture and Memory, The Murder of Emmett Till: A Graphic History, and The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History. He is also coeditor of Behold the Walls, written by Clara Luper, a vital historical account documenting the life, activism, and visionary leadership of the pioneering civil rights organizer who led the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-in in Oklahoma City. His book on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre won the 2022 Lynn McIntoch Award for Excellence, the 2022 Joan Kerr Patterson Book Award from the Western Historical Association, and 2022 Choice Outstanding Academic Title from the American Library Association.

In 2023, award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed) sought Dr. Hill’s expertise as a historical consultant for Sinners, his critically acclaimed period horror film set in 1932 Jim Crow Mississippi. The film, which premiered in April 2025, earned seven Golden Globe nominations including Best Picture and was named Best Film of 2025 by the African American Film Critics Association. Dr. Hill’s consultation ensured the film’s authentic portrayal of racial violence, Jim Crow economics, and Black resistance in the Depression-era South—demonstrating how rigorous historical scholarship can powerfully inform popular culture and reach global audiences.

Dr. Hill founded the Tulsa Race Massacre Oklahoma Teacher’s Institute and the Clara Luper Teacher’s Institute to support teaching the histories of racial violence and civil rights resistance to thousands of middle school and high school students. He serves on the boards of the Clara Luper Legacy Committee, Widen the Circle, and the Board of Scholars for Facing History and Ourselves. He also collaborates with AG Erinnern (Arbeitsgemeinschaft “Erinnern”), a student-led Holocaust remembrance initiative at the Theodor-Heuss-Gemeinschaftsschule in Berlin, Germany, supporting their educational work in historical memory and genocide education. He writes a column titled “Bearing Witness” for World Literature Today, featuring stories and analyses of community activists and historical narratives of racial justice across the globe.

Joyce Jackson 2026-29

Joyce Jackson serves on the Clara Luper Legacy Committee. Joyce Jackson is the founder, publisher, and editor of SHADES of Oklahoma magazine. The magazine is a quarterly publication designed to spotlight the life, culture, and history of Oklahoma African Americans. Jackson is recognized as the first African American female on television in the state of Oklahoma. She is an award-winning broadcast journalist, producer, and former talk show host for KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City. Jackson is affiliated with numerous organizations, including the Black Media Association, National Association of Black Journalists, Oklahoma Chapter- National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, NTU Art Association of Oklahoma, Black Liberated Arts Center, NAACP, and the Oklahoma Black Heritage Committee. She has received many awards in recognition of her leadership and service in her profession and community.

Marilyn Luper Hildreth 2026-29

Marilyn Luper Hildreth is one of the late Clara Luper’s three children. She received her B.S. Degree from Langston University in 1968. She serves on the Clara Luper Legacy Committee, Clara Luper Sit-In Plaza Committee, and the Freedom Center that will manage the Oklahoma City Clara Luper Civil Rights Center. She became active with the NAACP Youth Council at ten years old. Traveling with her mom, she knew the importance of equal rights and without hesitation would engage herself in discussion and protest. Marilyn was one of the original thirteen children who participated in the first sit-in that took place at OKC Katz Drug Store. That historical day was August 19, 1958. She is known for making the motion at the NAACP Youth Council meeting for the group to picket OKC Downtown Katz Drug Store. They agreed to remain there until they were served. She continues to fight for equality for everyone. Her professional career included owning her successful Allstate Insurance Agency. She is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Fifth Street Baptist Church.

Rev. Johnny Nubine 2026-29

Rev. Johnny Nubine worked for the City of Oklahoma City for 35 years and retired as Chief Building Inspector. He was a member of the Southwest Constructions Code Counsel, where he taught building inspectors in Oklahoma, providing instruction for them to maintain continuing education units (CEUs) so they could retain annual state licenses as required by the Constructions Industries Board (CIB). Rev. Nubine was a member of the Amateur Athletics Union (AAU), where he coached boys’ basketball for 30 years. After retirement, he established JMN Building Code Consultants to give advice concerning commercial and residential code concerns. He’s currently contracted to carry out building inspections for the Town of Forest Park.

Rev. Nubine was a pastor in the CME church for 23 years, serving at Stone Chapel in Duncan, OK; Amos Temple in Boley, OK; St. John in Spencer, OK; and Amos Memorial in Oklahoma City. In the Oklahoma/Muskogee region of the CME Church, Rev. Nubine served as Treasurer of the Joint Board of Finance for 16 years. Rev. Nubine and his wife Mrs. Vickie Nubine are the proud parents of nine children. In his free time, he enjoys domino games, sporting events, gospel, and jazz music.

Garland Pruitt 2026-29

Garland Pruitt is President, NAACP, Oklahoma City Branch. Garland is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma in 1978 and earned his Bachelor Degree in Social Psychology. Garland has been active in his church, as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and mentor. His attitude in life is that everyone should be treated equally no matter what your stage of life is. Mr. Pruitt is committed to the rights of all citizens and will stand up against injustice of any kind. He has received many awards for his civic leadership and service, including: A. Phillip Randolph Roll of Honor; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Kiwanis Club; NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award, NAACP, Grand Prairie, TX; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; Oklahoma Black Museum and Performing Art Center; Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance; Dr. Ruth Joyce Colbert Barnes Foundation; and Fairview Missionary Baptist Church. His work experience includes positions with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission; and General Motors where he retired in 2009. With GM, Garland was an inspector and responsible for vehicle damage prevention. Mr. Garland is a community activist whose political involvement has focused on workers issues, social justice, human rights, and equal opportunity. Choctaw Kiwanis Chair, Garland is committed to providing help for children in need, both in and out of school with food, shelter, and counsel. He is a member of St. James Baptist Church, and Co-Chair, Brotherhood President, Senior Sunday School and Vacation bible schoolteacher.

Gwenda Roberts 2026-29

Gwenda Roberts is a Licensed Minister currently working within the homeless community in Refuge Fellowship Disciples of Christ Christian Church. A former NAACP Youth Council advisor, she also serves on the Clara Luper Legacy Committee. She received her AA from Rose State College in Political Science, B.S in Education/minor in English, M.S., and Adult Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is presently enrolled in Grand Canyon University’s Doctoral Studies. She believes education is the key to knowledge and is to be passed on so future generations. Gwenda has worked as an Administrative Assistant, Accounting clerk, Media Assistant, Kinship Foster Parent, and a CASA volunteer. She worked with Mrs. Clara Luper in the NAACP Youth Council, Miss Black Oklahoma City and State Pageants. Her love for enhancing the knowledge of her culture cannot be expressed in words alone. She enjoys preaching and teaching the word of God. She is a person who lives life with desire, commitment, and grace.

Leonard D. Benton, Chair Emeritus

Leonard D. Benton is Board Chair Emeritus. He was appointed in 2018 as the Receiver of the Freedom Center to oversee the reconstitution of the Board of Directors and the restoration of the building that in 2018 was designated as a Historical Landmark. Mr. Benton retired from the Urban League of Oklahoma City where he served as President/CEO. He also served as the National Urban League Southern Regional Director. He was a founder and served as the Director of the Oklahoma Multicultural Leadership Institute, University of Oklahoma. Leonard is a founder and served as Executive Director of the Southwestern Urban Foundation that was incorporated in 2002. He received his Bachelor B.S. Degree from Grambling State University in Education; his M.S. Degree in Education, Illinois Wesleyan University; and an M.P.A. Degree in Public Administration, University of Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania).

Jim A. Roth 2026-29

Dean Emeritus Roth served as the thirteenth dean of Oklahoma City University School of Law. Dean Emeritus Roth is an alumnus of OCU Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1994. He also holds graduate certificates from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the United States Air War College’s National Security Forum at Maxwell Air Force Base, and the Institute of Public Utilities at Michigan State University.

Dean Emeritus Roth also serves as a director of Phillips Murrah law firm, where he provides leadership to the firm’s Natural Resources Department and Chairs the Clean Energy Practice Group. In addition, Dean Emeritus Roth serves as President of A New Energy, LLC, an energy consultancy specializing in energy policy and energy developments throughout the region and United States, representing regional and national energy companies and Foundations.

He served as an Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, by Appointment of Governor Brad Henry and prior to that appointment was elected to consecutive four-year terms as Oklahoma County Commissioner. He is a member of the Oklahoma, Kansas, and American Bar Associations and is a Past-President of the National Association of Civil County Attorneys.