Join us for a film screening of the PBS documentary, American Creed, and a scholar-facilitated panel discussion with community leaders.
In the film American Creed, former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy come together from different points of view to investigate the idea of a unifying American creed. Their spirited inquiry frames the stories of citizen-activists striving to realize their own visions of America’s promise across deepening divides.
After the film screening of American Creed, our panel of community leaders will engage in reflection and dialogue about their own part in the American story and also investigate the idea of a unifying American creed.
American Creed: Community Conversations is a project of Citizen Film in partnership with the American Library Association and the National Writing Project, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
American Creed Trailer
Downtown Library Event
Dr. Lloyd Musselman, Moderator
Professor Emeritus, History, Oklahoma City University
Dr. Lloyd Musselman has long been a popular speaker throughout central Oklahoma. He taught for almost four decades at Oklahoma City University as Darbeth-Whitten Professor of American History. He still teaches for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, as well as participating in the Let's Talk About It book review series. These days, moral and ethical issues in American History command his attention.
Sarah Adams-Cornell, Panelist
Co-Founder of Matriarch
Sarah Adams-Cornell is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation, co-founder of Matriarch and board member of Sovereign Community School. She is an advocate for indigenizing spaces and the mother of Bella and Gabby.
James Cooper, Panelist
OKC Councilman, Ward 2
A published writer who lives in OKC’s historic Paseo neighborhood, James Cooper took the oath of office in April 2019 to begin his first term on the Oklahoma City Council. Councilman Cooper is a former OKCPS middle school college prep teacher and works currently as an adjunct Film Studies and Philosophy professor at Oklahoma City University, where he serves on OCU’s Arts and Sciences Advisory Board. He also serves on OKC’s public transportation board as a trustee.
Mike Hoang, Panelist
Owner, KM Marketing and KM Communities and Founding Board Member of the Asian Chamber of Oklahoma and the Asian District Cultural Association
Mike Hoang’s family is from Vietnam and immigrated as refugees after the Vietnam War. He was the first of his family to be born in the United States growing up in Oklahoma City. Today, Mike Hoang is the owner of KM Marketing- a digital marketing firm downtown- as well as the owner of KM Communities- a social enterprise merging residential real estate investment and community development. Mike is a Leadership OKC alumni, Salt and Light Leadership Training alumni, NLT Alumni, former President of Toastmasters of Oklahoma City, founding board member both of the Asian Chamber of Oklahoma and the Asian District Cultural Association and has recognized as among the top up and coming leaders in Oklahoma City under 30 years old.
Mauree Turner, Panelist
Regional Field Director, Campaign for Smart Justice, ACLU of Oklahoma
Mauree Turner works for the Campaign for Smart Justice, a nationwide Criminal Justice Reform initiative, that focuses on reducing the prison population by 50% and tackling the racial disparities within our justice system. As a Young, Black, Muslim Woman, dedicated to her communities, she is also on the board for CAIR of Oklahoma. In Mauree's free time, she works with fellow community activists to find the intersections between different marginalized and disenfranchised groups, while standing with her communities and for them.
Roy Williams, Panelist
President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber
Roy became the President & Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber on January 1, 2004, after having served as Executive Vice President of Economic Development since mid-2002. Roy has held numerous executive leadership positions in Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations in Texas, Arizona, Ohio and Oklahoma. Additionally, Roy was Partner, co-founder, and President of The Economic Development Group, Inc., an international economic development consulting firm with offices in Ohio and Arizona. Roy also serves on the faculty for several professional certification programs including the United States Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management and the International Economic Development Council’s Economic Development Institute. In 2008, Roy was the recipient of the prestigious Chairman’s Award from the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Board of Directors for his significant contributions to ACCE and the chamber profession. Roy served as Chairman of the Board for ACCE for 2012 -2013. Roy also recently earned his Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) certification. This is the only national certification for chamber professionals and demonstrates extensive knowledge in four core chamber management areas.
Capitol Hill Event
Dr. Kristin Shamas, Moderator
T.A. Hamra Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of History, University of Oklahoma
Kristin Shamas received an MA in History (Modern Middle East) and PhD in Communication (International/Intercultural) from the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on communication and cultural affiliation within and between communities and places. Some of Shamas's recent publications look at mediated communication between local and non-local groups during and after armed conflict (Lebanon); Muslim and non-Muslim dialogue via formal, state-sponsored efforts (Jordan); and media representations of redevelopment and local culture after natural disaster (New Orleans, U.S.). Her current work includes research on Arab American and Lebanese diasporic media and film; and a book-length project about immigration from Ottoman Syria (mostly from what is now Lebanon) to Oklahoma, 1895 -1924, and the dynamic roles played by originally Arabic-speaking immigrants and their children in Oklahoma communities and histories.
Cynthia Garcia, Panelist
Deportation Defense Hotline Manager at United We Dream
Cynthia works directly with impacted communities around the country through her role as a Deportation Defense Hotline Manager with a National Immigrant Rights movement organization. She is a Queer DACA recipient and understands the importance of highlighting both the hardships that immigrants face everyday and the talents and cultural richness that immigrants bring to our communities.
Brenda Hernandez, Panelist
Owner, Tango Public Relations
Brenda Hernandez and her husband Jorge Hernandez are owners of Tango Public Relations. Brenda is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University, where she earned a Multidisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree, concentrating in the areas of Business, Mass Communications, and Spanish. Brenda currently serves on the Southern Nazarene University Board of Trustees, the YWCA of Oklahoma City Board of Directors, Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma Board, the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation Board, and the Community & Neighborhood Enhancement Advisory Board (Better Streets Safer City).
Chebon Kernell, Panelist
Executive Director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the United Methodist Church
Chebon Kernell, is currently the Executive Director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the United Methodist Church and formerly the Executive Secretary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries, for the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. In each role, he has worked with the World Council of Churches, the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops assisting in a denominational mandated effort to improve relationships with Indigenous communities through dialogue, study, and local or regional acts of repentance acknowledging harms inflicted upon Indigenous communities. In addition, he spends his time raising awareness, increasing advocacy, and supporting the empowerment of Native American and Indigenous communities globally.
Julian Ortiz, Panelist
Outreach Advisor at Oklahoma City Community College and Latino Leadership Oklahoma City Class VI, 2019, with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Julian Ortiz is an Admissions Recruiter at Oklahoma City Community College where he recruits new students and assists with pre-admission advisement in the Southwest OKC area. Originally from rural Kansas and the son of immigrant parents from Mexico, he enjoys connecting with students from these same backgrounds and helps provide information about postsecondary education and trade skills.
Ralph Ellison Event
Dr. George Henderson, Moderator
Emeritus Professor, University of Oklahoma
Dr. George Henderson is an emeritus professor at the University of Oklahoma. He has been inducted into three halls of fame, including the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, for his teaching and publications that focus on race relations, urban communities, and education. He was the third African American professor at OU, and he created the University's Department of Human Relations. He and his wife Barbara were the first black homeowners in Norman.
Anita Arnold, Panelist
Author and Historian
Since 1991, Anita Arnold has served as Executive Director of Black Liberated Arts Center (BLAC), Inc., a 501©3 non-profit organized in Oklahoma City. Prior to assuming this position, she became owner of the Investment Brokerage Company and founded Argos Properties. Her corporate career includes executive positions at AT&T Company, the U. S. Postal Service, and Western Electric Company. At 45 years old, she retired as Manager of Consumer Products at AT&T. Ms. Arnold is an author of six history and heritage books: Charlie and the Deuce, The Charlie Christian Photo Collection, Legendary Times and Tales of Second Street, Oklahoma City Music: Deep Deuce and Beyond, Charlie Christian – 100 Year Legacy, and African American Education in Oklahoma City.
Joyce Henderson, Panelist
Retired OKCPS Educator and a Participant in the Sit-In movement led by Clara Luper
As a teenager, Joyce Henderson traveled with her teacher, Clara Luper, to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington, D.C. That experience prepared her for life. Armed with education from Langston University, the University of Central Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma, she spent nearly four decades in Oklahoma City Public Schools. She has received many awards and has been featured in many documentary films including Children of the Civil Rights.
Nikki Nice, Panelist
OKC Councilwoman, Ward 7
Councilwoman Nikki Nice was elected Nov. 6, 2018, to serve as Ward 7's representative on the Oklahoma City Council. She's the 10th woman, and the second woman of color, to serve on the Council since the City's incorporation in 1890. Councilwoman Nice serves on the MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board, the Zoological Trust and the Trails Advisory Committee. A fourth-generation Oklahoman, Councilwoman Nice was born, reared, educated and spiritually nurtured in Ward 7. Her early education was completed in the Millwood Public School District. She is a graduate of Northeast High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcasting from historic Langston University. She has studied abroad in The Gambia and Dakar, Senegal, in West Africa. Councilwoman Nice is a well-known television and radio personality with nearly 15 years of on-air experience in the Oklahoma City market.
Jabee Williams, Panelist
Emmy Award-winning Hip Hop Artist and Community Activist
Jabee is an Emmy Award-winning hip hop artist and community activist from Oklahoma City, whose music, according to Chuck D. from Public Enemy, “has the potential to change the world.” His album Black Future released in August 2016 with a sold-out show at The Tower Theatre and reached #25 on iTunes. “Monument,” a track from the album, feat. Chuck D., premiered on Billboard, and another track, “By Any Means,” premiered on Mass Appeal. Jabee is also an entrepreneur and business owner in OKC.
Edmond Library Event
Dr. Imad Enchassi, Moderator
Chair of Islamic Studies, Oklahoma City University
Dr. Imam Imad Enchassi is a Senior Imam at the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma City, a Chair of Islamic Studies at Oklahoma City University, and a visiting professor at both Phillips Theological Seminary and Saint Paul School of Theology. Dr. Enchassi is an educator, interfaith leader, writer, lecturer, activist, and public speaker. Dr. Enchassi has earned two Ph.Ds. in Human Resources and Theology. He is the recipient of many interfaith, community, and inclusion awards. In 2010, the Daily Oklahoman named him 'the Religious Visionary of the Year’. Dr. Enchassi is a founder of many educational, social, religious, and charitable organizations including the Mercy Mission building which houses a food pantry, soup kitchen, free clinic, women’s resource center, and a homeless shelter. Dr. Enchassi has worked with many partners in the community including local, state, and federal law enforcement officers toward community relations and community building. His passion for peace and love stems from his upbringing in war zones and him surviving a massacre in 1982.
Darrell Davis, Panelist
Edmond City Councilman, Ward 3
Councilman Darrell Davis holds a variety of responsibilities in the Edmond / Oklahoma City Communities. He is the Chief of the Installation Contracting Division at Tinker Air Force Base with over 30 years of Federal contracting experience and an adjunct professor for Southeastern Oklahoma State University teaching Contract Management and Business Communication. Darrell has always believed in giving back to his community. He served over 15 years as Chairperson of the Edmond Park and Recreation Advisory Board and has been serving on the Edmond City Council representing Ward 3 since October 2011. Councilman Davis is a member of Tinker Toastmasters and National Contract Management Association. He also serves on the University of Central Oklahoma Black Male Summit Committee and Master of Public Administration Advisory Board. Councilman Davis has a Bachelor of Arts from Morehouse College and a Master of Arts from Webster University.
Adri Edwards, Panelist
Technology Instructor at the University of Central Oklahoma, Adjunct Instructor for the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma, and serves on the Executive Board of Temple B’nai Israel
Born in Kansas and raised in a custom harvesting family Adri has lived in Edmond for over 20 years. She has taught Inter-Congregational Sunday School for the Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations of Emanuel Synagogue and Temple B'nai Israel in Oklahoma City. She currently serves on the executive board of Temple B'nai Israel.
Josh Pape, Panelist
Chief Banking Officer at Citizens Bank of Edmond
Josh is Chief Banking Officer at Citizens Bank of Edmond overseeing all customer facing lines of business. Originally from the Tahlequah area, Josh and his wife moved to Edmond in 2011 where they live today with their two children. He is a military veteran, the first male college graduate in the Pape family and an active member of several nonprofits and community organizations.
Kay Robinson, Panelist
Senior Director of Student and Community Engagement at the University of Central Oklahoma
Kay Robinson is the Senior Director of Student & Community Engagement at the University of Central Oklahoma. Kay has been very active in her professional world as well as civically, having served on the boards for Infant Crisis Services, Leadership Oklahoma City and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Oklahoma State. She is most passionate about her two boys: four year old Rex, and her fifteen month old foster son, Braden.
Bethany Library Event
Dr. Sunu Kodumthara, Moderator
Associate Professor of History, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Sunu is an Associate Professor of History at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she has taught since January 2010. She graduated with her PhD in American History from the University of Oklahoma in 2011, after defending her dissertation entitled “Anti-Suffragists and the Dilemma of the American West.” Sunu currently teaches courses ranging from American History To/Since 1877 and the History of Oklahoma to 20th Century America and Women in American History. She has just completed an article on the transition of anti-suffragists into voting advocates and is currently working on a biographical project examining the political career of Kate Barnard, Oklahoma’s first female elected official. Sunu has proudly served as a board member for Oklahoma Humanities since 2017.
Dr. Heather Clemmer, Panelist
General Education Director and Professor & Chair, Department of History, Politics, and Law at Southern Nazarene University
Heather Clemmer is a faculty member in the History, Politics and Law Department at Southern Nazarene University. She earned a Ph.D. in History from the University of Oklahoma, with an emphasis on the experiences of people in the American West. In 2018, she completed 9 years on the Oklahoma City Historic Preservation Commission as historian and citizen member. She and her husband, Jason, have two boys and live in Oklahoma City.
Dr. John Martin, Panelist
Associate Professor of Business at Southwestern Christian University and President of the Bethany Improvement Foundation
Dr. John F. Martin helps business and community leaders reshape the world for good. As he teaches university courses in business and education, he uses an emphasis on ethics, care, empathy, and community service as the real-world lab in which university students discover their place in moral responsibility and good citizenship.
Amanda Sandoval, Panelist
Bethany City Councilwoman, Ward 1
Amanda Sandoval is a City Councilor for the City of Bethany, Ward 1. She is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
KP Westmorland, Panelist
Mayor of Bethany
KP Westmoreland is married to his best friend, Susan. Together they have five children, ranging in ages of 15 to 21. KP is currently the Mayor of the City of Bethany. KP is also the President/Founder of Westmoreland Ministries, a 501c3 organization. Through Westmoreland Ministries, KP has been a sought after faith-based motivational speaker for public high schools, churches and corporate events.
Reading List
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You Don't Have to Say You Love Me
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Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty
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Make Your Home Among Strangers
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Between the World and Me
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Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right
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The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America
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Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis
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Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
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No One is Coming to Save Us
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American Character: A History of the Epic Struggle Between Individual Liberty and the Common Good
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More Titles Available
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