The Norman Juneteenth Committee

The Norman Juneteenth Committee consists of community members across the metro, partnered with the Norman Parks and Recreation Department. The committee has coordinated Juneteenth for the city of Norman since the inaugural 2021 festival. 

The Norman Juneteenth Festival is rooted in events put on in 2020: A free community celebration organized by a handful of OU BSA students and faculty, and a vigil for George Floyd hosted by Sydnie Woodfork and Men United (the nonprofit that would later become 2getherWeWill founded by Kendall Hendricks & Sam Woodfork). It was in that year that Norman first recognized Juneteenth as a holiday within the city in response to the racial injustices and civil unrest of the time. 

In 2021, these groups came together to expand the celebration with 2getherWeWill playing an integral role in beginning a partnership with Mayor Breea Clark and the Parks and Rec department. 

It’s our goal to celebrate diverse stories of African American community leaders and educate on the advantages of and the obstacles to achieving a safe, equitable, and vibrant community. 

Today, we’re proud to host this festival in Norman with the help of community members and partners to bring about a family-oriented celebration of culture and education. 

Committee Members: 

Tyra Jackson - Committee Chair

Christel Wesley - Community Advocacy 

Elijha Straw - Community Advocacy 

Isaiah Marable - Social Reputation Manager

Kellye Woodfork - Community Advocacy 

Kendall Hendricks - Vendor Partnerships Manager

Nesha Williams - Sponsorships Manager

Nick Lillard - Art Projects Manager

Polly Henderson - Community Advocacy 

Sam Woodfork - Community Advocacy 

City of Norman Staff: 

Cyriacus Igwilo

Grace Holloman

Jeff Moody