29 Sept 2026
Episode 69- Osage language immersion school, absentee ballots, & more
A difficult chapter is unfolding for Osage language preservation in Oklahoma. The Osage language immersion school in Pawhuska, a program created to help a new generation learn and carry forward the language of the Osage people, is closing its doors. The decision has sparked questions about the future of language revitalization and the challenges of sustaining Indigenous education programs. Here’s FBO’s Roma Carter with the part one of her story.
Oklahoma is one of a small number of states that requires voters who return absentee ballots by mail to have their signatures notarized, or to follow other specific procedures depending on the type of absentee ballot. The requirement is intended to help verify a voter’s identity and protect the integrity of elections—but it can also raise questions about access, convenience, and whether every voter has the same ability to navigate the process. Here’s FBO’s Nick Alexandrov with more.
What happens when music, community, entrepreneurship, and mental health come together under one roof? That’s part of the vision behind rapper Pusha T’s Cousinz Con Festival. While the festival features music and entertainment, its programming also creates space for conversations about mental health, wellness, business, and entrepreneurship. FBO’s Zaakirah Muhammad reports from Norfolk, Virginia as she looks at Cousinz Con not simply as a festival, but as a space for connection and exchange.
The Greenwood District in Tulsa is once again becoming a gathering place for storytellers, filmmakers, artists, and community members. Black Wall Street Nation, taking place September 25th-27th will bring musicians, filmmakers, beauty professionals, student-athletes and community together around a shared ambition: more people earning from their talent and owning what they build. This event brings a creative celebration to the historic Greenwood District, featuring film screenings, conversations with filmmakers, and opportunities to connect through the power of storytelling. Friday will feature all things film, with a special evening performance by Hip Hop legend MC Lyte. Saturday will dive into the business side of film and move into the music. Special guest Wale will headline and close out Saturday's experience. Sunday closes with a brunch catered by Chef Chad Cherry and a superjam featuring gospel artists Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Lena Byrd Miles, Carson Barnes, and Lisa Page Brooks. Soul and jazz music will be included as well. There will also be opportunities for writers, beauty professionals and student-athletes to build skills, credentials and industry relationships. This festival creates a space where film and music becomes more than entertainment—it becomes a way to explore history, identity, culture, and the experiences that shape communities. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://blackwallstreetnation.us/ (https://blackwallstreetnation.us/)
Food can tell us where we come from, who we are, and what we hope to pass on to the next generation. In Tulsa, Chef Chad Cherry is bringing those ideas to the forefront through the second State of Black Food Summit—a gathering focused on Black foodways, culinary traditions, entrepreneurship, and the people shaping the future of food. FBO’s Quraysh Ali Lansana takes a closer look at the State of Black Food Summit, which is part of the Black Wall Street Nation Festival, in his interview with Chef Cherry. https://chefkulture.com/about-sobf (https://chefkulture.com/about-sobf)
Ladies leave your aunts at home for this next story by Sondra Slade about her first outing to the club at the tender age of 15.
Focus: Black Oklahoma is produced in partnership with KOSU Radio & Tri-City Collective. Additional support is provided by the Commemoration Fund & Press Forward. Our theme music is by Moffett Music.
Focus: Black Oklahoma's executive producers are Quraysh Ali Lansana & Bracken Klar. Our associate producers are Jesse Ulrich, & Naomi Agnew.
You can visit us online at KOSU.org or FocusBlackOklahoma.com & on YouTube @TriCityCollectiveOK.
You can follow us on Instagram @FocusBlackOK & on Facebook at Facebook.com/FocusBlackOK.
You can hear Focus: Black Oklahoma on demand at KOSU.org, the NPR app, NPR.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://linktr.ee/focusblackok
