BlackSpace Oklahoma
We localized the 14 principles of the Manifesto to build Black power and Black joy in Oklahoma.
Our Story
Founded in 2018, BlackSpace Oklahoma (BSOK) was the third cousin group to join the national collective and the first to launch statewide. Co-founded by Vanessa Morrison and co-led with local leaders, LaTasha Timberlake and Rashaunda Lugrand, BSOK is rooted in cultural preservation, spatial justice, and joyful organizing. Through storytelling, pop-ups, dinners, and creative activations, BSOK uplifts the work of Black community builders who are shaping Oklahoma’s future.
Celebrating Oklahoma Cousins
The Oklahoma Cousins carry the BlackSpace practice of place into deep relationship with land, memory, and community. Through projects like the NEOKC Storytelling Project Lecture Series, the Deep Deuce Drive-In, urbanist dinners, the Boley Rodeo Road Trip, and countless convenings, they have created spaces to gather, reflect, and reimagine Black life in Oklahoma. Their work blends cultural and historical preservation, design inquiry, and collective joy, making history visible while building new futures. Explore their projects and photos to see how these moments, meals, and movements shaped their legacy.
Legacy Work
Past Organizers
Learn more about the folks who make BlackSpace Oklahoma possible.
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Vanessa Morrison
she/her/hersCousinVanessa is an urban planner and CEO of Open Design Collective where she practices by collaborating with community members on planning, cultural preservation, and design initiatives that advance equity in Black spaces. Additionally, Vanessa is co-founder of BlackSpace OK. -
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Latasha Timberlake
she/herCousinLaTasha has been supporting non profits and social organizations for over 20 years. She has consulted for organizations like Work Ready Oklahoma, CHUMS OKC, and NEOKC Renaissance. In 2019, she founded Lillian Timber Farms, a non profit urban farm in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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RaShaunda Lugrand
she/herBoardRaShaunda is a culturally centered educator of reproductive health and well-being. She is a Multi-Certified Community-Based Practitioner whose expertise brings a conscious focus to intercept common challenges associated with underrepresented urban childbearing communities.
