Oklahoma City thrives with the vibrant sounds, flavors and enduring spirit of Black history. Discover some of our favorite Black-owned restaurants, businesses, events and hidden gems that keep our city rich with culture. 

 

Black History Month Activities

Celebrate Black History Month at one of these activities throughout the month of February in Oklahoma City.   

Open all year round for visitors to view is the Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza honors the courageous actions of Clara Luper and the young activists who, in 1958, led one of the country’s earliest and most impactful civil rights sit-ins, right here in OKC. The bronze sculpture is a 4-ton, 16-foot bronze lunch counter with 15 life-sized figures representing Clara Luper, the 13 original sit-inners and a Katz employee. An empty mahogany stool encourages visitors to interact with the art, shaping a personal connection to the history and the lessons of the movement.

Join the Oklahoma City Thunder in celebrating Black History Month with some lively competition and a whole lot of creativity. Ninth through 12th grade students can now submit their original artwork expressing an aspect of Black history that inspires them. Four winners will be selected and will receive a Thunder Prize Pack. All entries are due by Feb. 6 for the Black Heritage Creative Contest.

 

Black-Owned Restaurants 

Northeast Oklahoma City is full of rich history, resiliency and community. It's also home to many Black-owned restaurants.  

James Beard award-winning restaurant Florence’s is where you'll find made-to-order, feel-good soul food. Trust us, the Yammed Fried Chicken is a must!  

Scrambl’d is a Black-owned breakfast and lunch spot where you can find all kinds of amazing food creations like the Luther Burger, a cheeseburger with your choice of one or two glazed donuts in place of a bun, Oaty's Lamb Chops and Deep-Fried French Toast. 

Hank’s in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District will cure all your BBQ cravings. The Loaded Baked Potato is topped with cheese, sour cream and your choice of either pulled pork or brisket.  

Finally, we’d be remiss not to mention Grey Sweater, Perle Mesta and Dougla Kitchen—a new concept by Chef Black set to open in the former Black Walnut space—all from James Beard Award–winning Chef Andrew Black.

 

Black-Owned Businesses 

Throughout the metro, Black-owned businesses are making way for Oklahoma to be on the map in virtually every category.   

Locally owned Kinfolk Farms offers clean eats and farm fresh products. Their storefront in the Wheeler District offers pantry staples as well as meal prepped dishes.   

If luxury spa experiences and skin care is your vibe, Lenox Skincare is a prime location for services, gift cards and your new skincare routine literally made and formulated by a Black woman.   

Plant People Shop is turning us all into certified plant parents! Christina offers handmade planters, terrarium building workshops, plant-care books, stunning common and rare houseplants, succulents, cacti and so much more.  

 

Beyond Black History Month 

Discover Oklahoma City’s rich Black history with the launch of a new mobile app by Oklahoma Black Living Legacy. Featuring 31 historic sites and 50 inspiring stories, the app brings history to life through interactive walking and driving tours. Don’t miss the launch event on Feb. 15 at the Oklahoma History Center, featuring Emmy-winning storyteller Bob Dotson.

Learn more about Black history and impactful events, such as the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade on January 19 and Juneteenth on the East. Dive deeper into history with the Buffalo Soldier exhibit at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or explore the Realizing the Dream exhibit at the Oklahoma History Center, which highlights remarkable African American stories, artifacts and achievements.