The annual National Bell Ringing Ceremony, a cherished tradition in Oklahoma, will once again honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Representative Ajay Pittman of House District 99 is proud to commemorate this historic event, which serves as a powerful symbol of freedom, justice, and equality.
Representative Ajay Pittman highlights the activities that will remain historic in House District 99, as a part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. These significant events recognize Dr. King’s profound impact on the nation and highlight the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice in our society.
This year was a challenge for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Coalition and a host of volunteers who had to reschedule all of the events that helped Oklahomans celebrate the life and leadership of the non-violent civil rights Icon.
The National Bell Ringing Ceremony traces its roots back to 1986 when Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., requested a bell-ringing ceremony to kickstart the celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday. Initially held at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the ceremony has since become a nationwide observance, with the Liberty Bell serving as a powerful symbol of the fight for civil rights.
“It is an honor to have Oklahoma be an intricate part of the National Bell Ringing Ceremony and pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Representative Pittman, Vice Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. “This ceremony represents the enduring spirit of the civil rights movement all across the nation and serves as a reminder of the work that still lies ahead in hopes of building a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has a unique connection to Oklahoma, having visited Oklahoma City and spoken during a Freedom Rally at Calvary Baptist Church on July 29, 1960. His powerful words resonated with the audience, inspiring local youth to take action in their pursuit of desegregation.
“There are locations and events that were a part of his history. Such as, the original sit-in movement happened at Katz Drug Store with Dr. Clara Luper and the resistant youth, in addition to Dr. King’s speech at Calvary Baptist Church located at 4th Street and Walnut Ave. He was seeking to become the Pastor of the church at the rally at the age of 16, afterwards, he and supporters marched across the bridge that we now know as the G.E. Finley Bridge. This bridge leads into Bricktown where lots of businesses have flourished and a large part of tourism happens,” said Pittman.
According to Representative Ajay Pittman the National Bell Ringing Ceremony underscores their commitment to honoring civil rights leaders and advocating for equality in Oklahoma and beyond. By actively engaging in historic events, Representative Pittman exemplifies her dedication to promoting social progress and fostering a more just society.
“This annual event is generally immediately after the silent march through the district down N.E. 23rd street to our Oklahoma History Center with a program to honor the Legacy of Dr. Clara S. Luper, Marylin Luper Hildreth, daughter of Clara Luper, all of the original sit-inners. This program allows the Oklahoma City NAACP and NAACP youth council to hear from local legislators, community leaders, and the Oklahoma Governor who comes to give remarks on the state of Oklahoma and ring the bell with a diverse group of youth, college students and dedicated citizens” said Pittman.
For more information contact Representative Ajay Pittman or for more about her initiatives, please visit repajaypittman.com. For media inquiries, please contact her office at (405) 557-7393 or email ajay.pittman@okhouse.gov.
