Reviving Roots: The Black Historical Gathering on Okmulgee’s Historic 5th Street
Okmulgee, OK – On August 9, 2025, the streets of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, came alive with the vibrant energy of the Black Historical Gathering, an annual event dedicated to reclaiming and celebrating the unsung history of the community’s Black heritage. Held on the historic 5th Street, the gathering drew families, entrepreneurs, and history enthusiasts together for a day of unity, reflection, and festivity. At the heart of it all was Tanya Bowie, the passionate event coordinator who has turned this stretch of land into a beacon of cultural revival for the fifth consecutive year.
Tanya Bowie, a local wellness entrepreneur and massage therapist, shared her vision during the event, emphasizing the importance of bridging generational gaps. “This street has a history that’s known to some but forgotten by many,” she explained. “My intention is to bring everyone back here, to reunite as a community and family.” Without permanent buildings to anchor the event, Bowie creatively transforms the open land into a bustling hub using tents, food trucks, and vendor stalls. The gathering features a mix of retail opportunities, live entertainment, praise and worship sessions, prayer circles, and a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem. It’s a space where entrepreneurs can showcase their brands, brainstorm ideas, and connect with potential customers, all while honoring the past.
One of the highlights this year was the integration of a spectacular car show, marking its 20th anniversary under the leadership of Ronald Redding. Positioned on the street corner, the show featured an impressive array of antique vehicles, custom-built rides loaded with intricate modifications, and more. Attendees marveled at the gleaming classics, which added a layer of excitement to the historical theme. “We’ve embedded this long-standing car show into our event to close up the streets and bring history back to life,” Bowie noted. The combination created a festive atmosphere where families could meet, greet, and reminisce, fostering connections that Bowie hopes will endure.
The site’s rich history underscores the event’s significance. The building where Bowie stood during her remarks—now vacant but showing signs of renovation—has layers of stories dating back to the early 1900s. Originally a residential structure, it later became Mr. Douglas’s Grocery Store, a staple in the Black community long before Bowie’s grandmother’s time. Over the decades, it housed various businesses, including a hair salon called Echelon run by Donna Wilson. More notably, it was once the office of Dr. Anderson, a dentist whose practice was listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book—a vital guide for Black travelers seeking safe havens during the Jim Crow era. Prior to that, Dr. Taylor operated nearby, contributing to the area’s legacy as a secure stop for African Americans. “This building was in the Green Book, so people knew they could come here safely,” Bowie highlighted, pointing out how such landmarks provided essential refuge and economic stability.
Today, the structure stands as a symbol of potential rebirth. Bowie and community members are actively working to clean and renovate it, using the space for pop-up activities in the meantime. “We’re hoping to get it back on track and start building on the land again,” she said. Bowie’s own journey ties into this narrative; she launched her wellness and nutrition business in Okmulgee in 2019 after returning home. Inspired by the street’s dormant history, she initiated the gathering to not only preserve it but also to empower new generations. As the event celebrates what Bowie described as its 10th year overall—perhaps encompassing broader community efforts—it serves as a reminder that history isn’t static; it’s a living force that can inspire progress.
The Black Historical Gathering isn’t just an event; it’s a movement toward communal healing and economic empowerment. By inviting entrepreneurs to set up shop and encouraging dialogue about the past, Bowie fosters a sense of belonging in a place where Black excellence once thrived. As cars revved and music played, attendees left with renewed appreciation for 5th Street’s legacy. Looking ahead, Bowie envisions expanding the gathering, drawing more participants to bridge divides and rebuild. In a world quick to forget, events like this ensure that unsung histories are sung loud and clear, uniting people in celebration and hope for a brighter future.
