The Future of Our Past
The OKPOP Foundation has officially completed the $18 million Heart & Soul Campaign, and the State Treasurer has now approved and certified the pledges, releasing the state’s matching funds. This milestone marks the beginning of OKPOP’s next chapter: exhibit design, fabrication, and the build-out of Oklahoma’s first museum dedicated to the global creative impact of its people.
Hello Friends and Potential Donors,
“You know, this whole campaign wasn’t just about raising $18 million – it was about backing a mission that means something. OKPOP is here to celebrate the crazy amount of creativity that comes out of Oklahoma, to tell the stories of the folks who shaped music, film, and art, and to fire up the next generation to chase their own big dreams. The way people showed up to support this blows me away. Oklahoma should be proud of what’s coming.”
Honorary Campaign Chair
It was an honor to connect with writer Andrea L. Rogers and hear more about her creative journey rooted in Tulsa, Cherokee culture, language, and storytelling.
Andrea shared how reading first opened the door to writing, how Native art and culture helped shape her imagination, and why representation matters so deeply, especially for young readers looking for stories they need to see in the world. She also spoke about the power of Cherokee language, the importance of telling contemporary Native stories, and how genres like horror and sci-fi can help us confront fear, imbalance, and truth.
Her story is a reminder that creativity can grow from resilience, curiosity, and the courage to begin.
As Andrea put it: “Go tell the story you need to tell.”
#OKPOP #AndreaLRogers #cherokee #writer #tulsa
Happy birthday to our friend Vince Gill!
Born in Norman, Oklahoma on this day in 1957, Vince Gill has become one of the most celebrated voices in country music. Across his remarkable career, he has earned eight Academy of Country Music awards, eighteen Country Music Association awards, and twenty-two Grammys. Along the way, he has also lent his talents to groups including Pure Prairie League, Mountain Smoke, the Cherry Bombs, The Time Jumpers, and, more recently, the Eagles. Most recently, Vince released End Of The Night, the newest EP in his year-long 50 Years From Home series. 
Happy birthday, Vince!
#VinceGill #OklahomaMusic #CountryMusicLegend #OKPOP #NormanOK @vincegillofficial
We connected with Earl Hazzard for a video interview, tracing his journey from Tallulah, Louisiana to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
From early roots in jazz, gospel, and hip-hop to learning multiple instruments and writing his first rap at 16, Earl’s path reflects a deep commitment to craft. He shared how Tulsa’s DIY scene took shape through grassroots venues, battle rap culture, and community-led shows that brought people together across backgrounds.
His story speaks to growth, resilience, and the importance of knowing your history, building your community, and creating something that lasts.
#OKPOP #EarlHazzard #TulsaMusic #OklahomaCreatives #DIYCulture @earlhazard
It was great to connect with Tulsa filmmaker John Swab.
From growing up in Tulsa to finding storytelling through unexpected and difficult paths, John’s journey is a powerful reminder that creativity can take root anywhere. What stood out most was his deep connection to place—how Tulsa continues to shape his voice, his stories, and his perspective as a filmmaker.
He spoke about learning to see the world through story at a young age, writing down interesting people and moments, and carrying that instinct into his work today. That habit of observation, paired with discipline and lived experience, has become the foundation of his filmmaking.
John also shared how Tulsa’s creative energy carries a certain edge—an underdog spirit that pushes artists to prove something, to say something real. Over time, that connection to home became something he chose to embrace, not move away from.
And maybe most importantly, he offered a simple truth for anyone chasing a creative life: if you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way in.
Because culture isn’t just what we see on screen—it’s the stories we carry, the places we come from, and the drive to create something honest.
#OKPOP #TulsaFilm #OklahomaCreators #Storytellers #CreativeJourney
We connected with Tulsa guitarist and craftsman Johnny Beard for an interview about his creative journey, from learning flamenco in Spain to building guitars, cajóns, fire bellows, saddles, and more. He shared how a love of making by hand and a deep respect for tradition have shaped both his work and his music. He also spoke about the joy of sharing that passion with his daughter, performing flamenco together as a family band, and helping grow a vibrant flamenco community here in Oklahoma.
#OKPOP #JohnnyBeard #TulsaMusic #Flamenco #OklahomaCreatives
It was an epic day at the Capitol with our friends at the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, celebrating Oklahoma creativity and the people helping shape what comes next.
From film to music to storytelling, days like this are a reminder that Oklahoma’s creative spirit is alive, growing, and worth championing. We’re grateful to stand alongside so many who believe in the power of art, culture, and community to move our state forward.
#OKPOP #OklahomaFilm #OklahomaMusic #CreativeEconomy #OklahomaCreatives
We recently connected with historian, author, and cultural storyteller Derrick E.D. Smith Jr., also known as Young Black Mayor, for an OKPOP oral history interview.
From Lawton to Tatums, Derrick’s journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to uncovering, sharing, and preserving Oklahoma’s Black history. Through his work as a history influencer, author, and speaker, he has helped bring greater visibility to the legacy of Oklahoma’s historically all-Black towns and the people, places, and stories that continue to shape our state.
Our conversation explored Black self-governance, land ownership, rodeo and cowboy culture, early Black filmmaking in Oklahoma, and the enduring impact of figures like Bass Reeves, Bill Pickett, Sarah Rector, and Ralph Ellison.
What began as grassroots research and community outreach has grown into a powerful platform for public history, connecting elders and younger generations through stories that deserve to be remembered, shared, and carried forward.
🎥 This interview will become part of the Oklahoma Historical Society archive and help shape future OKPOP exhibit storytelling.
#OKPOP #YoungBlackMayor #BlackHistory #OklahomaHistory #Storytelling @youngblackmayor
It was an honor to connect with Yjes Rondi of Barkingham Palace.
Oklahoma has always had a DIY spirit. It’s a place shaped by people who built community, culture, and creative life from the ground up. In garages, basements, dance halls, living rooms, and borrowed spaces, people here have long made something meaningful out of what they had.
That same spirit lives in Barkingham Palace.
Through Yjes’ work, DIY becomes more than a music scene. It becomes a space for belonging, mentorship, safety, and creative freedom. Always free. Always all ages. A place where people can show up as they are, learn from each other, and help build something together.
At OKPOP, we believe stories like this matter because they reflect a bigger Oklahoma truth: creativity here has often been community-built, resourceful, and deeply human.
Because culture isn’t just what we consume. It’s what we create together.
#OKPOP #TulsaMusic #DIYCulture #OklahomaCreatives #CommunityBuilt @barkinghampalacetulsa
Donate
Your charitable donation directly contributes to OKPOP’s future, we are grateful for your support! Donations to support the OKPOP Museum may be made to the OKPOP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
Donations may be made through the secure online donation form or mailed to:
OKPOP Foundation
422 North Main Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
If you have questions about additional gifting options, please contact Abby Kurin at akurin@okpopfoundation.org
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