Community building events draw attention to NE OKC

As Oklahoma City welcomes spring, we’re seeing the return of outdoor events.

The annual oNE OKC Street Festival is a great one to catch. It’s a vibrant community event that stimulates creativity, strengthens relationships, and highlights the rich history of northeast Oklahoma City. The festival will take place on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Booker T. Washington Park. There will be live performances, music, food trucks, kids’ activities and local vendors. ONE OKC is seeking additional volunteers, vendors and food trucks for the festival. Visit oneokcevent.org for more information.

This annual family-friendly event, hosted by Northeast OKC Renaissance Inc., has grown since its inception in 2016, adding more vendors, volunteers, sponsors and attendees. It’s a great example of how Northeast OKC Renaissance Inc. helps to connect and mobilize residents in northeast neighborhoods and communities.

Before the oNE OKC Street Festival, the State of Northeast Oklahoma City will be hosted on the steps of the historic Page Woodson at 10 a.m. Saturday. It will be the first time in a year that elected officials and constituents will gather in person to discuss northeast Oklahoma City. Northeast Oklahoma City has seen great economic growth, numerous revitalization projects, events, and new businesses in recent years and this community discussion is a way to learn more, voice your opinion and engage in constructive community dialogue about the future. Some of the major projects completed and underway include the restoration of Page Woodson, the opening of the Market at Eastpoint, the groundbreakings for the MAPS 3 Senior Health and Wellness Center and Homeland grocery store and the planning for the Lyons mansion and Brockway Center restoration.

Speakers will include: Councilwoman Nikki Nice; state Reps Ajay Pittman and Jason Lowe; Ruth Veales, OKCPS School Board, District 5; County Commissioner Carrie Blumert; Lieutenant Wayland Cubit; and state Sen. George Young.

Both the oNE OKC Street Festival and the State of Northeast Oklahoma City events are free and open to the public.

These community-building events bring awareness to the revitalization efforts of northeast Oklahoma City. They also bring people together, creating citizens who are involved, connected and who voice their opinions about the ethical redevelopment of housing, education, safety, wellness, economic development, and preservation of African American arts, culture and history.