By Carrie Cobbs, Regional Staff
During this Black History Month, it is fitting to highlight some Oklahoma Disciples who have impacted our world. During the time when our Regional Staff was sorting through old files, we came across a Souvenir Program for the National Convention of Disciples of Christ from August 25 to 30, 1936. This event took place at Carver Junior High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Rev. B. C. Calvert was the president of the National Convention at the time, and Cornelius W. Arnold was the Minister at Pine Street Christian Church. Download Souvenir Program
While looking through this program, there were so many names and faces of disciples who have gone before us. A Google search led to an inspiring story about a woman named Anita Hairston (1907-1996). She was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Tulsa with a master’s degree in education in 1952. According to an article in the Tulsa Tribune from May 13, 1952, she had made a special arrangement with the TU board of trustees that if she could guarantee eight students per class, they would have professors travel to Carver Junior High School for night classes and summer school and black students could earn full credit without ever setting foot on the TU Campus. It also states that “when Hairston couldn’t find enough classmates, the university bent the rules and allowed some classes to continue with just three students.”
According to a booklet in the Region’s archives titled “Black Members of the Christian Church ~ Disciples of Christ~ in Oklahoma,” she was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tulsa. There is no date on this booklet, but she is named as one of the people who furnished information. Her husband, Dr. E. L. Hairston was a member of Pine Street Christian Church, Tulsa.
When we moved our Regional Offices to NW 70th Street in OKC, I realized that Dolphin Wharton Park is less than a mile away. Dolph and Gladys Wharton were members of Kelley Avenue Christian Church (DOC), OKC, where he served as a deacon and an elder.
He was born in Red Bird, Indian Territory, in 1908. He was a graduate of Langston University. He and Gladys dedicated their lives to helping others and serving their community. He wanted there to be a safe place for families and youth to gather and play. I was told that he donated the land next to his neighborhood to the city parks commission so it could be turned into such a place. He worked with community members to make the city council aware when repairs were needed. His neighbors petitioned the city council to name it Dolphin Wharton Park, in recognition of his service. Click here to read more about Dolphin Wharton Park.
In honor of Black History Month, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society highlights some of the African American Disciples artifacts and resources available in our Digital Commons. Learn more.
