Great Oklahomans aren’t born. They’re grown.
For almost a century, Oklahoma Hall of Fame has honored individuals
who have made an impact in the state and worldwide. The hundreds of inductees
include artists, doctors, athletes, educators, attorneys, leaders and
entrepreneurs whose work can’t be easily categorized. What is clear, however,
is the difference they’ve made in Oklahoma.
Beyond the ceremony, the Hall of Fame provides year-round
educational opportunities and programs at Gaylord-Pickens Museum. And through
observing the stories and legacies of legendary Oklahomans, we have a chance to
see ourselves in them.
“Oklahoma Hall of Fame members have smashed ceilings and
created change for the better,” said Michelle Sopp, the Hall of Fame’s director
of marketing and communications. “It’s inspiring to see students come to the
museum and realize that they can also do that — they can be the change-maker.”
Notably, most of the museum’s resources are free to Oklahomans
of all ages. Sopp explained this accessibility is vital to the Hall of Fame’s
mission of telling the state’s story through the people who shape it.
And this year’s seven honorees have undeniably molded the
heartland through art, philanthropy and, of course, education. Here’s just a
small snapshot of the marks they’ve made.
Anita Golden Arnold
For Anita Golden Arnold, barriers are simply challenges to
overcome. Raised in Tecumseh, Arnold was one of the first Black employees at
Western Electric. She had a clear knack for leadership, as she later held one
of the most important roles in the U.S. Postal Service. Her work creating
national database systems speaks to commitment to preserve and protect not just
information, but people, too.
During her tenure at AT&T, Arnold helped ensure Black
employees received fair and equitable treatment. After her retirement, she
served on the Democratic Site Selection Committee and eventually as the
co-chair of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Task Force. Today, Arnold
serves as the executive director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC, Inc.),
where she continues to champion racial equality, education advancement and the
performing arts.
“I know hope is an aspiration and not a plan,” Arnold said
during the ceremony. “I believe in actions that support these beliefs in
meeting the needs of the community locally, nationally and globally. I believe
in me. I believe in you.”
Greg Burns
Adversity often yields the most moving art. Greg Burns, an
Oklahoma City native, is no stranger to this. His paintings capture the
beautiful space between humanity and nature. You might find dreamlike clouds
hovering just above a bustling town square. Or a cabin surrounded by lush,
colorful flowers.
Whatever he paints, Burns has to do it through his arthrogryposis,
a condition that severely limits joint movement. Still, that didn’t stop him
from opening his first art studio with his mother after graduating from the
University of Oklahoma.
“I never really felt sorry for myself or that I missed out
on anything,” Burns said in his introductory video. “I wouldn’t change a thing.
Even the mistakes I make. There’s an easy way and a hard way to anything. And I
always choose the hard way.”
Benton C. Clark III
The thought of “B.C. Clark” might get one of the most
infectious commercial Christmas jingles stuck in your head, but Benton C. Clark
III’s story extends far beyond his family’s business. Like, really far beyond.
Though born in Oklahoma City, Clark’s work took him from the
red dirt to the stars. Working with NASA, Clark helped formulate and strategize
missions to the moon, Mars and Jupiter. He is a pioneer of deep space
exploration and continues to consult NASA in ongoing programs.
“We all too often think about thanking our teachers for how
they have taught and inspired us decades later, when it’s too late.” Clark said
during the ceremony. “Think back on those cases where we can still thank [in
person] a teacher of the past for everything they’ve done for us.”
Tim DuBois
While we can’t assume Tim DuBois has ever been in a rodeo,
one thing is absolutely clear: This isn’t his first hall of fame. Raised in
Grove and a member of the Cherokee Nation, DuBois is recognized in both the
Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Oklahoma Music halls of fame.
After college, DuBois started his career in banking.
However, he eventually melded this knowledge with music, becoming a notable
manager, executive and even a songwriter. He produced Alabama’s chart-topping
“Love in the First Degree” and inspired the iconic country duo Brooks &
Dunn.
“I had great partners, co-writers, co-producers, employees
and artists who have made up my musical family,” DuBois said during the
ceremony.
Drew Edmondson
Though not Merle Haggard in disguise, Drew Edmondson is
nonetheless one of the most prominent Okies “from Muskogee.” His instrument of
choice isn’t a Fender Telecaster, but landmark public service. After serving in
the Navy during the Vietnam War, Edmondson quickly earned his first public
office as a district attorney.
This accomplishment was just a predecessor to his next role.
In 1994, a successful campaign led to his election as Oklahoma Attorney
General. Just two years later, Edmondson filed a lawsuit against Big Tobacco.
His actions caught on across the country, as 45 other states followed his lead.
Prior to Edmondson’s suit, no entity had meaningfully sued
the tobacco industry, which had taken an immeasurable toll against the nation’s
health. Even so, Edmondson’s efforts helped reach a historic $206 billion settlement.
Shortly after in 2000, Oklahoman voted to create the Oklahoma Tobacco
Settlement Endowment Trust, protecting settlement funds and ensuring their
appropriate use.
“This is a blessing to enjoy the work that you do,”
Edmondson said during the ceremony. “And to be able to look back on work that
has truly made a difference in the lives of people is a rare privilege.”
Amber Valletta
Tulsa’s Amber Valletta is a lot more than a supermodel —
she’s a true icon. She’s appeared on over 100 issues of Vogue, starred
alongside Will Smith and Eva Mendes in 2005’s Hitch, and founded Master
& Muse to help further ethical manufacturing and environmental
sustainability.
Valletta has used her image to evoke change, which she
continues to advocate for today.
“When I became famous in fashion, there was a sense of
responsibility and urgency that I needed and must do something positive with my
platform,” Valletta said in her introductory video.
Anne Morris Greenwood
Anne Morris Greenwood’s philanthropic heart can be traced
back to her upbringing in Carnegie. Her dad and grandfather operated the local
hatchery, a key piece of the booming
farm town. There, she learned value of giving back and how widespread education
is the perfect vehicle for it.
Greenwood eventually earned a scholarship to OSU. The school
proved inseparable from her journey. After a 30-year accounting career,
Greenwood returned to OSU and established multiple scholarships. After she
continued to support the school by funding renovations across the campus, she
was named Philanthropist of the Year by Women for OSU in 2018.
“As someone who could only attend college with scholarships,
I’m drawn to increasing access to others through scholarships, too,” Greenwood
said during the ceremony. “My hope is that I’m teaching them the value of
philanthropy that they may apply to others.”
Visit oklahomahof.com.
This article appears in Queen of Oklahoma.