Two Days of FREE Events
Albert Johnson Sr. Convention Center
91 NE Maine St, Lawton, OK 73507
Thursday, February 20, 2025
5:00 pm Emmett: A Family’s Tragedy & America’s Legacy Workshop presented by Joshua Harris-Till
6:00 pm Education Discussion Panel, Black Educators
7:00 pm SONS OF MYSTRO, featuring talents of Lawton Public School Students
Friday, February 21, 2025
5:00 pm Emmett: A Family’s Tragedy & America’s Legacy Workshop presented by Joshua Harris-Till
6:00 pm Business Discussion Panel, Black Business Owners
7:00 pm SONS OF MYSTRO, featuring talents of Lawton Public School Students
Limiting Seating Available: Tickets for Panel Discussions and SONS OF MYSTRO performance, contact the Lawton Fort Sill Chamber of Commerce at 580-355-3541.
The Lawton Public Library is proud to present Soulful Story. For 2025, we have a powerful workshop series exploring the history of racial violence, injustice, and activism through the tragic story of Joshua Harris-Till’s cousin, whose lynching became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. The event will take place on Thursday, February 20, and Friday, February 21, at 5:00 pm at the Albert Johnson Sr. Conference Center.
Titled A Family’s Tragedy and America’s Legacy, the workshop will offer a deep reflection on the lasting impact of this tragic event on American history. Participants will explore how the lynching not only sparked a nationwide outcry but also contributed to the broader fight for racial justice, which continues to resonate today. By drawing connections between historical events and modern-day struggles, the workshop aims to engage the community in an important conversation about racial violence, injustice, and the ongoing activism needed to ensure a more equitable future.
Each night, following the workshop, there will be an insightful discussion panel. On Thursday, February 20, at 6:00 pm, the Education Discussion Panel, titled Advancing Education for a Brighter Tomorrow, will explore ways to enhance education in our community. On Friday, February 21, at 6:00 pm, the Business Discussion Panel, Lawton’s Business Future: Growth, Innovation, and Opportunity, will examine the future of business development and the opportunities for growth in Lawton.
The finale of each night will be a performance by Sons of Mystro, a talented duo whose music blends classical and reggae sounds, beginning at 7:00 pm. Their performances promise to be a unique and uplifting way to wrap up these powerful events.
All events will be held at the Albert Johnson Sr. Conference Center. Each event is FREE to attend, but limited seating is available, so attendees are encouraged to reserve their tickets for the discussion panels and performances in advance by calling 580-355-3541.
This series of events is made possible by Arts for All in partnership with the City of Lawton, MIGHT Community Development and Resource Center, Friends of the Lawton Public Library, McMahon Auditorium
Legends of Strings
The following videos were shared with us from the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma City and they explore the rich cultural history of strings instruments.