Freedom Center of Oklahoma City(70)
- Jonathan Elmore
- Dec 30, 2025
- 2 min read
OKLAHOMA CITY
When I got the big list of museums from the OMA, I arranged the spreadsheet by town rather than alphabetically by museum. I figured I would hit all the local OKC places first, then fan out to the rest of Oklahoma. One place that I saw was the Freedom Center of Oklahoma City. I didn't know what to expect but I was excited to see it. It was the middle of summer and I headed down to the address near the corner of 26th and, appropriately, Martin Luther King Avenue. The parking lot was partially blocked so I parked in the street and walked around. I took pictures of the exterior and made my way to the door. Locked. Ah, man! They're not open today. I checked the internet to see when it would be open and I couldn't find any hours of operation. Not a big deal. I'll figure it out eventually. I peeked in the glass door to see if I could at least see what was inside, but to my astonishment, there was nothing in there. Construction was still in process. Ooooh, that's why I can't get in. It isn't finished yet!!
I kept checking back and I finally saw a post by our mayor David Holt. He had attended the grand opening of the Freedom Center. Sweet! I planned my trip and went a couple of days later. This time the parking lot was finished and open. I got my exterior pictures again and headed inside. I met a couple of great members of the Freedom Team, Jordan Broiles and Christina Beatty. It was so cool to talk to them about the future of the Freedom Center and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center. Even though they're open, there is so much work left for them to do. They are planning a small museum in the Freedom Center dedicated to the struggles and triumphs of equal rights in Oklahoma City. They already have some outstanding photographs around the office, so I know it's going to be incredible. They also showed me plans for the Clara Luper Center that is scheduled to break ground in 2026 which will be just up the road from the Freedom Center. From the architecture plans and Christina's description of it, I can tell it's going to be a must see place for everyone. Jordan queued up a video that gave a glimpse of the Center's renovation, which also has information about donating time and money to the project. I chipped in what I could and bought a couple of t-shirt to help spread the word.
In a world that often forgets, it's important for us to have places like this. It's good for all of us to remember the history of civil rights in America, the good and the bad. We can see how we want things to be and what we don't want have happen anymore. We can learn about the leaders, the activists, the martyrs, and the allies so we can create the world where Dr. King's dream is the reality. Check it out and help if you can.
2609 N Martin Luther King Avenue, Oklahoma City
405-778-3974
Entry Fee: Free
Hours: ?
Jonathan Elmore ©2025
