Sen. Boren invites the public to book discussion on court challenges by Blacks in Oklahoma Territory seeking access to education

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Mary Boren, D-Norman, is inviting the public to join in a discussion at the Norman Public Library East with Dr. Sara Doolittle about her book, “We Fought Back: The Black Legal Struggle for Education in Oklahoma Territory.” 

Doolittle, a professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, completed her PhD at the University of Oklahoma. Her academic research has focused on the intersection of the law, race, and schools, and 19th century school segregation law. 

“When we talk about the fight for equality in public education, Oklahomans may be aware of 1954 U.S. Brown v. Board of Education – some might even know about Sipuel v. Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma,” Boren said. “I would imagine few Oklahomans are familiar with the legal battles fought by Black homesteaders during the territorial era in their fight for access to public education. But it’s an important part of our state’s history and I urge people to attend this event and learn more about it.”

The book discussion with Doolittle will be held on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Community Room of the Norman Public Library East, 3051 E. Alameda Street in Norman. The event is free to attend.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Mary Boren at 405-521-5553 or Mary.Boren@oksenate.gov