CAYLEE DODSON WITH HUSBAND JOSH AND CHILDREN MICA AND MILES
Caylee Dodson Director of Restore OKC Caylee Dodson hasn’t lived in northeast Oklahoma City for long, but she has become ingrained in the community, and the community in her. After growing up in northwest Oklahoma City, Dodson earned a journalism degree from Oklahoma State University and masters in arts in religion and cultures at Covenant Theological Seminary in Missouri. She spent nearly 10 years in ministry in St. Louis, helping women transition out of prostitution and addiction. In 2014, Dodson and husband Josh were called to return to Oklahoma City to help local churches begin a reconciliation, justice and mercy ministry similar to Restore St. Louis. They met Ernest Odunze, who grew up in northeast Oklahoma City and would become the second director of the nonprofit they’d start together, Restore OKC, which is founded on relationship-based, community- driven redevelopment. “We know that northeast Oklahoma City has a long story of injustice,” said Dodson. “My neighbor was 10 when it became legal for black families to go north of 23rd Street. Living history is still so present. It’s not hard to learn this side of our city, but it’s not often taught, so if you’re afforded the privilege of not knowing, you likely don’t.” Before solidifying Restore OKC’s mission, the Dodsons moved in and got to know their neighbors, especially enjoying programming at the Ralph Ellison Library with their two kids. Soon after, Dodson says, the state of
their interests. A mainstay in Fletcher’s childhood, the Ralph Ellison Library continues to provide expansive educational and connection opportunities for kids and families from surrounding neighborhoods and beyond. Passionate about providing opportunities for kids to be engaged artistically and academically, Fletcher helped launch a free annual STEM fair through her presidency of the local Jack and Jill of America chapter, a mothers’ organization nurturing the next generation of African American leaders. She also serves as a commissioner for the Metropolitan Library System. Though Fletcher says life gets a little easier as her boys get older, there are times she has to remind herself just to push through to get everything accomplished. “My husband will come home and say ‘thanks for being supermom today,’” quips Fletcher. “But that’s all moms. We’re all superheroes.” While she and Michael have raised their boys to understand and appreciate the rich culture and history of their community, most important is that their children learn to stand in their own truth, not to base who they are on others’ opinions. Fletcher lives those words herself, ever mindful of the tight-knit, inclusive community that’s been there for her all along. “The east side is in my DNA and has made me the person I am,” said Fletcher. Learn more about Fletcher’s new venture at kindredspiritsokc.com.
Picturing the Past March 7 • 10:00 a.m. – Noon Dorothea Lange captured images of Americans, including many Oklahomans, as they struggled through the Great Depression. Listen to stories about her at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., create Depression-era toys, partake in a derby, sample food and watch Kit Kitteridge: An American Girl. Spring Break Drop-in Activities March 16 – 20 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Drop by and participate in family- friendly activities. Create a different make-and-take craft each day.
#MyWest
nationalcowboymuseum.org/kids 1700 Northeast 63rd Street Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Mon – Sat, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sun, Noon – 5:00 p.m.
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Free with Museum admission. Available while supplies last.
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