KELLYVILLE, Okla. — In an effort to raise awareness for the All-Black towns of Oklahoma, two men clipped in their cycling shoes and set off on a seven day tour.
The journey is approximately 600 miles round trip and takes the duo through the Oklahoma 13 historic sites.
What led to All-Black towns?
From 1865 to 1920 African Americans created more than fifty identifiable towns and settlements, some of short duration and some still existing at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
In those towns African Americans lived free from the prejudices and brutality found in other racially mixed communities of the Midwest and the South. African Americans in Oklahoma and Indian Territories would create their own communities for many reasons. Escape from discrimination and abuse would be a driving factor. All-Black settlements offered the advantage of being able to depend on neighbors for financial assistance and of having open markets for crops. Arthur Tolson, a pioneering historian of blacks in Oklahoma, asserts that many African Americans turned to "ideologies of economic advancement, self-help, and racial solidarity."
Source: Oklahoma Historical Society
2 News caught up to Osborne Celestain Jr. and his riding partner Eyakem Gulilat as they started a long stretch on Highway 33.
For Celestain it was not only a personal challenge but also a birthday present to himself, "for my birthday I’m riding, I rode Route 66, turning 66, riding 600 miles."
CLICK THROUGH: Celestain's route:
He is the founder of the Community Light Foundation which helps tackle food insecurity in Oklahoma. Celestain is also the director of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Oklahoma, Tulsa's Chapter.
He hopes this ride can provide a glimpse into the towns and its history.
"There is a wealth of information and stories in these communities, and I just hope people take the time and visit them. And hopefully help them out economically to keep them viable," Celestain said.
While the trek is long, Celestain is motivated by the towns enduring spirits.
As for another All-Black Town ride next year, he said he hopes to organizer another trip next year. Celestain said if people want to donate to his foundation some of the funds will go back into the All-Black Towns.
SEE MORE: Redbird flourishes on community, hopeful for growth
Oklahoma had as many as 50 All-Black towns at one time, now there are 13 still in existence:
- Brooksville
- Boley
- Clearview
- Grayson
- IXL
- Langston
- Lima
- Redbird
- Rentiesville
- Summit
- Taft
- Tatums
- Tullahassee
- Vernon
WATCH: 2 News visited Tullahassee and learned about the fight to keep a zip code:
If you would like to donate to support Celestain's ride and future rides click here.
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