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#blackhistorymonth Calvary Baptist Church located at 300 N. Walnut was the physical and spiritual base for a multi-year sit-in campaign that changed the face of segregation in Oklahoma City. Constructed in 1921 by black architect and church member Russell Benton Bingham, 
Calvary Baptist Church is an imposing three-story brick building with twin towers capped by brick parapets. In the early 20th century it served as the religious and social center of Oklahoma City's black community. In 1953, 24 year old Martin Luther King Jr.
preached a sermon for consideration of becoming the pastor at the church. He was turned down because he was told he was too young. He returned in 1963 to speak before a crowd of 1,500 at Cavalry for the "Freedom Rally." Sit-ins--or what were then called "sitdowns"--
#blackhistorymonth “Losing that first race (1989) for City Council years ago was probably the best thing that could have happened. It motivated me to work harder to become a force for change."
Willa Johnson was the first AA Woman elected to Oklahoma City Council in 1993
Willa Johnson was the first AA Woman elected to Oklahoma City Council in 1993
and the sixth woman since the city incorporated in 1890. Willa Johnson really wanted to be a jazz singer when she was growing up. City and county politics was the last thing on her mind, politics didn’t come into the picture until she retired. Then a whole new career took off.
As a councilmember Ms. Johnson was instrumental in the redevelopment of the Eastern Golf Course, now known as the James E. Stewart Golf Course, in providing for expanded public transportation in far Northeast OKC, the rehabilitation of most northeast community centers,
