• Focus: Black Oklahoma

  • By: KOSU
  • Podcast

Focus: Black Oklahoma

By: KOSU
  • Summary

  • Focus: Black Oklahoma is a news and public affairs program covering topics relevant to the African American and BIPOC communities statewide. The show seeks to inform the public through stories and interviews, engage the community through lively discussion, and spotlight local artists and creators.
    2025 KOSU Radio
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Episodes
  • Episode 51
    Mar 20 2025

    Fear is rising as politicians nationwide target immigrants with their Trump-inspired rhetoric and policies. KOSU's Lionel Ramos reports Oklahoma’s Latino immigrant community has been stirred into a panic. Translations in this story were voiced by Sierra Pfeifer. To read more about this legal clinic and immigration enforcement in Oklahoma, visit KOSU.org.

    In Oklahoma, as in many places, addiction carries a heavy stigma, particularly within the Black community. But as Focus: Black Oklahoma’s Cory Ross reports, the Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance is working to change that perception, offering resources and support to reduce the harms associated with drug use.

    In this story Allison Herrera, one of the creator's of Tribal Justice: The struggle for Black Rights on Native Land (The full story can be found on Audible) we hear about Michael Hill, a Cherokee Freedmen who was arrested by the Okmulgee Police. He fought to have his case transferred to tribal court because he's an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. But, Michael's case was complicated-because of his status as a Black man with no blood quantum, his case did not qualify to be transferred. In this series. We've been exploring how centuries old laws have impacted people like Michael...and his brother Mikail-who was murdered in 2016. His case was transferred out of state court-even though like Michael, he is an enrolled Cherokee Freedmen.

    In an era of shifting political landscapes and renewed focus on cultural identity, the stories of three Kenyan-American women offer a compelling lens through which to examine the immigrant, and emigrant, experience. From the challenges of navigating a new political climate in the U.S. to the surprising benefits of life in Kenya, they share their unique perspectives on culture, connection, and tradition. Zaakirah Muhammad has details.

    Easter is a holiday steeped in tradition, often marked by new clothes and family gatherings. But for FBO correspondent Sondra Slade, the experience of shopping for the perfect Easter dress with her mother became a cherished memory that captures the spirit and anticipation of childhood.

     Focus: Black Oklahoma is produced in partnership with KOSU Radio & Tri-City Collective. Additional support is provided by the Commemoration Fund & Press Forward. Our theme music is by Moffett Music.

    Focus: Black Oklahoma's executive producers are Quraysh Ali Lansana & Bracken Klar. Our associate producers are Smriti Iyengar, Jesse Ulrich, & Naomi Agnew. Our production intern is Alexander Evans.

    You can visit us online at KOSU.org or FocusBlackOklahoma.com & on YouTube @TriCityCollective.

    You can follow us on Instagram @FocusBlackOK & on Facebook at Facebook.com/FocusBlackOK.

    You can hear Focus: Black Oklahoma on demand at KOSU.org, the NPR app, NPR.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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    52 mins
  • Episode 50
    Feb 21 2025

    In the fall of 2020, Michael Hill, a Black citizen of the Cherokee Nation, woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone banging on the windows of his home. He called police for help, but the police arrested Michael in his own front yard. When trying to get his case heard in tribal court he was rejected because though he has tribal citizenship, he has no blood quantum and by federal law is not legally an Indian. His story is told in a newly released Audible Original documentary called Tribal Justice: The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land, reported and written by two award-winning indigenous journalists, Allison Herrera and Adreanna Rodriguez. This is our fifth installment of the documentary.

    Affordable housing and community development took center stage in Enid during a recent town hall meeting addressing a rezoning proposal. While some viewed the proposal as an opportunity for revitalization and affordable living, others raised concerns about taxes and the potential impact on their land. Venson Fields has details.

    In the heart of Kinondo, Kwale County, the Al Walidayn Center stands as a beacon of hope, transforming lives through its free services amid a backdrop of high rates of sexual violence and teenage pregnancy. The center has dramatically reduced cases of gender-based violence offering young girls a sanctuary and a pathway to empowerment in a community once plagued by drug trafficking and exploitation. Zaakirah Muhammad reports from Kenya.


    In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a steep hill nicknamed "Big Bertha" has become more than just a physical challenge. It's the centerpiece of a grassroots fitness movement led by Isaac Bennett, a local health coach and community activist. Every Saturday morning, Tulsans of all ages gather to conquer this formidable incline, finding not just a workout, but a sense of community and personal growth. Anthony Cherry has the story.


    Whether it’s your fly boots or your open-toes, apple bottom jeans or boots with the fur, some outfits are meant to turn heads, but this story from Sondra Slade about a winter wardrobe malfunction will leave you in stitches.


    Focus: Black Oklahoma is produced in partnership with KOSU Radio & Tri-City Collective. Additional support is provided by the Commemoration Fund & Press Forward. Our theme music is by Moffett Music.

    Focus: Black Oklahoma's executive producers are Quraysh Ali Lansana & Bracken Klar. Our associate producers are Smriti Iyengar, Jesse Ulrich, & Naomi Agnew. Our production intern is Alexander Evans.

    You can visit us online at KOSU.org or FocusBlackOklahoma.com & on YouTube @TriCityCollective.

    You can follow us on Instagram @FocusBlackOK & on Facebook at Facebook.com/FocusBlackOK.

    You can hear Focus: Black Oklahoma on demand at KOSU.org, the NPR app, NPR.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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    51 mins
  • Episode 49
    Jan 23 2025

    Recent studies have shown increasing suicide rates in the United States, particularly among Black youth. Experts in Oklahoma advocate for addressing cultural norms that prevent at risk youth and their families from seeking mental health treatment. Dawn Carter has details.

    In the fall of 2020, Michael Hill, a Black citizen of the Cherokee Nation, woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of someone banging on the windows of his home. He called police for help, but the police arrested Michael in his own front yard. When trying to get his case heard in tribal court he was rejected because though he has tribal citizenship, he has no blood quantum and by federal law is not legally an Indian. His story is told in a newly released Audible Original documentary called Tribal Justice: The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land, reported and written by two award-winning indigenous journalists, Allison Herrera and Adreanna Rodriguez. The following excerpt is the fourth installment of FBOs broadcast of the documentary.

    We speak with Kristi Williams about Black History Saturdays and how she's working to close education gaps in the Sooner State.

    From runaway enslaved African to federal law enforcement officer, Bass Reeves lived a long and legendary life. In early January, Reeves was commemorated with a new bronze statue at the Three Rivers Museum in Muskogee. Carlos Moreno has the story.

    Getting your first real job is a rite of passage growing up. Sondra Slade's story about her children finding jobs and getting their first paychecks will have you laughing all the way to the bank.

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    53 mins
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