oklahoma lgbt leadership summit

March 4, 2007 @ 10:17 pm · Filed under Herland Voice, Lead stories

cimmaron2.gifSaturday, April 14, 2007
Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library
300 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City

The Cimarron Alliance Foundation, with the grass roots support of the Human Rights Campaign, is pleased to announce it will host a leadership summit on April 14, 2007 at the Metropolitan Library System Ronald J. Norick downtown library for representatives of organizations that serve or support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Oklahomans. “There are several organizations across the state doing amazing work on LGBT related issues,” states Chairman Richard Ogden, “Cimarron Alliance Foundation wants to provide a forum for those organizations to discuss how to work more effectively and more collaboratively so that we are all better equipped to support and represent the needs of LGBT Oklahomans.” All leaders and board members of LGBT organizations or LGBT supportive organizations are invited, along with interested members of the community. Several community organizations have already signed on as partners for this historic event, including Herland Sister Resources.

The one-day program will feature breakout sessions designed to address critical issues facing LGBT people in the state of Oklahoma, as well as anticipated legislation and advocacy. Content presented in sessions specific to strategic planning, grant-writing, media relations and programming will enable leaders to strengthen and advance the organizations in which they represent and lectures, discussions and structured activities, will empower participants with knowledge and effective approaches to educate the greater community. Other breakout groups will focus on a range of issues including AIDS/HIV, seniors and Youth.

The growing list of presenters includes: Jim Roth, Oklahoma County Commissioner, Andrew Rice, Oklahoma State Senator, and Al McAffrey, Oklahoma State Representative. Beyond the borders of our state, the summit will receive support from the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT non-profit organization.

For additional information or to register, contact Josh Hammers by e-mail or phone at _jhammers@ou.edu_ (mailto:jhammers@ou.edu) or (405) 570-0082. Registration deadline is April 2, 2007. An online registration is available at www.cimarronalliance.org/leadership_summit.htm.

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anti-choice legislation introduced

March 4, 2007 @ 10:16 pm · Filed under Herland Voice, Lead stories

On Feb 21, 2007, the State Senate Appropriations Committee met. On their agenda was a piece of anti-choice legislation (SB 714) which would prohibit government employees, government funds, or government entities from being used to assist in any abortion procedure. Planned Parenthood (PPCO) staff and other activists were in attendance to show opposition to this bill.Other anti-choice bills: There are eight anti-choice house bills that were heard in subcommittee and passed on to the full committee. These are being closely monitored and when the Judiciary Committee meets with any or all of these bills on the agenda, PPCO will send out notification by email. PPCO would like to gather support of women’s health by having a large constituent at this meeting in opposition of bills that would harm the health and safety of women in Oklahoma.

Prevention! PPCO has been working diligently with a lobbyist and legislators to have prevention legislation heard. Unfortunately, of the four bills introduced, it looks like three of them will never receive a hearing (SB 104, SB 105, SB 555). However, HB 1534, which requires medically accurate sex education to be taught when state funds are used, is showing some promise. When they find out the date and time of the committee meeting that it should be heard in, they will send out an email so that anyone wishing can attend and show support.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the bills mentioned above or how you can get involved, email or call:

Adrienne Brune, External Affairs Coordinator, Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma, 405-528-0221, adrienne.brune@ppfa.org or visit www.ppcok.org.

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black doll white doll

March 4, 2007 @ 10:15 pm · Filed under Herland Voice

Kiri Davis is a young filmmaker whose high school documentary has left audiences at film festivals across the country stunned – and has re-ignited a powerful debate over race.

A young sister filmmaker does a documentary with other teens about the way they see themselves, in terms of skin color and blackness. Then, she recreates the famous Kenneth Clark tests when the little kids are asked which doll the prefer, the black one or the white one… The entire film can be viewed at www.mediathatmattersfest.org /6/index.php?id=2

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take back the night: ok

March 4, 2007 @ 10:14 pm · Filed under Herland Voice

takebackthenight.gifThe struggle against sexualized violence is a continuing one, but we must come together to inspire changes in our community and give survivors a place to heal. Take Back the Night is an evening dedicated to raising awareness of sexualized violence committed against children, women, and men in Oklahoma communities, while creating a supportive environment for expression and empowerment.

People will gather at the South Plaza of the State Capitol on Lincoln Boulevard on Sunday, April 1st. Music and entertainment will begin at 3:00 pm. and the March itself will step off at 6:00 pm. Following the march, a rally will begin where people will express their voices and Oklahomans can take a stand against Sexual Violence.  

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martin luther king celebration

March 4, 2007 @ 10:14 pm · Filed under Herland Voice

Oklahoma City will be celebrating Martin Luther King’s birthday starting March 3, 2007. The events were postponed from January 15, 2007 because of freezing weather. A number of events have been planned by the Oklahoma City Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition.

The Coalition chose two themes for this year’s celebration, “Value Your Vote, Vote Your Values” and “A Fair Wage - We Have Work To Do.” The second theme was added because of the new focus on the minimum wage. Roosevelt Milton, Vice Chair of the group says, “It is timely because of the Democratic takeover of congress on the national level.”

Activities begin Saturday, Mar. 3, with a program at Ralph Ellison Library, at 9 a.m. Afterwards, a Silent March from Ralph Ellison Library will proceed down NE 23rd Street to the State Capitol’s South Steps at the Martin Luther King Tree of Life.

The public is invited to a program at noon, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, at NW 7th & Robinson, featuring words by local opinion leaders, music and presentation of proclamations.

At 2 pm, the annual Parade will step off from St. Paul’s Cathedral, marching south on Robinson and across into Bricktown, terminating at the Coca Cola Convention Center.

On Sunday evening, Mar. 4, Temple B’Nai Israel will host the annual Cross Cultural Dialogue and Program. Events begin at 5:30 pm with a pizza supper. A keynote address and dialogue will follow, by Joyce Henderson, one of Oklahoma City’s original “Sit-Inners.”

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