When he didn't see a space for himself as a Black queer man in Tulsa, Daniel McHenry created his own. As founder of Black Queer Tulsa he's built community in a state hostile to non-hetero norms. As a ballroom performer for Alpha Omega house, he's found a family and shared history that empowers free expression. He even inspired me to share my coming out story as a queer Black man myself.

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She's had three transplants and three relapses since being diagnosed with blood cancer as a child. That hasn't stopped Shagah Zakerion from inspiring hope and building a movement. As a patient herself, she organizes blood drive donations to support survivors. As an Iranian American, she longs for a day when her people can live in and visit a Free Iran. We broke it down.

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Oklahoma state officials have made it increasingly difficult to teach unapologetic Black history in public schools, but Kristi Williams is on a mission to do it anyway. As founder of Black History Sundays, she's gained national recognition and support for her community classes that feature experts in the fields of history, archeology, music and more.

In the latest episode, we discussed Williams' lead role in the creation of a $1.5M interpretive center in the basement of the historic Vernon A.M.E. Church, one of the few structures to survive the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. What is the difference between reparations and generosity? Check out the full episode. Subscribe to support independent media: https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

When plans for the NFL didn’t work out, Tulsa native Malik Thompson wasn’t sure what to do with his life, until he became exposed to the world of mixed martial arts. At the end of February, Thompson grappled his way to a championship belt at XFN 407, Oklahoma’s Xtreme Fight Night inside Tulsa’s Riverspirit Casino Resort. Despite the strong finish, Thompson said he’s ready for the next one.

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Oklahoma is known as one of the most conservative states in the nation today, but just over a century ago it was home to one of the largest socialist movements in the country, powered by the organizing of tenant farmers. What lessons can be learned from the past? I spoke with Baron O’Connor, membership coordinator for the modern-day Oklahoma Tenants Union, about Oklahoma’s high rates of evictions, lack of tenant protections and how OTU is working to fill in the gap. Subscribe to support independent media and support my work at indepthwithdeon.substack.com

Tulsa, Oklahoma founder of Save the Children of Gaza, Farouq Allatar has organized vigils and protests calling attention to the victims of Israel's genocide against Gaza and the lack of accountability facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime.

We spoke about the billions in funding that has gone to Israel instead of the American people, the cost of endless wars, and what a Free Palestine could look like.

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Ten years after Tulsa Police killed her twin brother when he was unarmed with his hands in the air, Dr. Tiffany Crutcher continues to push for justice as executive director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation. From new policies to violence intervention experts and programs for youth, Dr. Crutcher says she envisions a day where her community can live free from violence.

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Oklahoma’s Jasmine Thomas has transformed her online virality into a progressive, grassroots campaign seeking to replace one of the country’s most conservative U.S. Senators.

A nurse and military spouse who identifies as Black, white and Chickasaw, Jasmine Thomas joined In Depth With Deon Podcast to break down why she believes Oklahoma voters should trust her to safeguard the environment, respect Tribal sovereignty, and push for more resources to the impoverished state. SUBSCRIBE to support independent media. https://indepthwithdeon.substack.com/

In February, Oklahoma began it’s legislative session. Sen. Michael Brooks (D-OKC) has filed Senate Bill 1234, which would require local and state law enforcement officers conducting immigration operations or other duties to obtain approval from a judge before masking their faces.

“Any peace officer of this state shall not mask his or her identity with the use of any head or face covering while executing a warrant without first obtaining a court order stating it is permissible to mask the identity of the peace officer. The peace officer shall obtain a separate court order for each warrant execution in which the peace officer desires to mask his or her identity,” the bill states.

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The X-Men had Professor X. Tulsa has Emeka Nnaka. I sat down with the motivational speaker, mental health coach, nonprofit founder, and former athlete, opens up about life after a football injury that forced him to confront who he was beyond the labels placed on him.

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