OKC Thunder Visit FD Moon Middle School To Kick Off Black History Month

The Oklahoma City Thunder are stepping off the court and out into the community this February to celebrate Black History Month.

Thunder power forward Kenrich Williams, dropped in on a black history lesson at Moon Middle School Friday to kick off the month-long celebration. Joined by local historian Bruce Fisher, they celebrated the power of youth voices.

“There are people who need to be recognized and if they don’t do it, who will?” said Fisher.

The kids at Moon Middle School also got to take home a coloring book filled with notable black Oklahomans. The book, created by Fisher himself, is titled “We Remember… Before and Beyond: An Oklahoma African American History Coloring Book.”

“They were the forefathers of our history,” Williams said about the historical figures in the book.

Fisher and Williams believe in investing in the next generation.

“Teach young people how to do the research,” said Fisher, “And how to tell the stories.”

With Fisher’s book in hand, these 5th graders got a glimpse into the past. They listened, asked questions and even discussed their own family histories. Williams says this education is extremely important at their age.

“It gives them a chance to really feel like they’re a part of our history,” said Fisher.

Williams says he found the experience nostalgic and rewarding.

“What I’m doing right now is way more important than going out playing and winning games,” said Williams.

But the students weren’t the only ones who learned something new.

“I might have to take that book home because there’s a lot of stuff that I didn’t know that I’m eager to find out about as well,” said Williams. “Just as they’re learning I’m learning too.”

The Thunder will continue with a month-long celebration of Black History month that includes special game activities and more community outreach. A complete list of the events can be found HERE.