ARIZONA HISTORY – THE OKEMAH COMMUNITY
Arizona History, the Okemah Community – a reflection on years past, which records the history and rich culture of an African-American community in South East Phoenix. This record is designed to amplify the historical understanding of life in this small community.
Okemah was a fascinating community in which to live and grow. It was indeed a unique community where honest, hard-working men were proud to be their brother’s keeper. Women were respected and demonstrated a sense of pride in the care of their homes and children. Children were loved and nurtured by family, and the community willingly served as their extended family.
The community valued respect for self and others and held in high esteem the desire for academic pursuit. These values, taught at an early age, were the essence of its vision of a better brighter future for its youth.
We retained many values from preserving Okemah’s history. As we read about those who lived there, we share some of their experiences and learn from their mistakes as we look to the future.
Knowledge of a productive history helps us to understand where we have been, value where we are, and recognize the need to continue to grow. A profound debt of gratitude is acknowledged here to all who have aided in the preparation of this brief, yet important chapter of Arizona history.
Dr. Josephine Hill Pete
OKEMAH COMMUNITY TRIBUTE
Leatha C. Slaughter
Leatha C. Slaughter was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised in Guthrie, Oklahoma—within a strong and close-knit African American community where education, discipline, faith, and service were deeply valued..……………”
Click Here to read Leatha’s story.
Dedication to Mrs. Leatha C. Slaughter
This page is lovingly dedicated to Mrs. Leatha C. Slaughter, whose presence shaped the Okemah community for generations.
She was more than a teacher.
More than a principal.
More than a leader.
She was a force—steady, disciplined, and deeply respected by every child who walked through her classroom.
Former students speak of Mrs. Slaughter with a mixture of admiration, gratitude, and awe. They remember her as a no-nonsense educator who believed in excellence and accepted nothing less. She carried herself with dignity, and she taught her students—by example—to do the same.
One alumna, Gussie W., recalled how each morning Mrs. Slaughter gathered her class outside for drills and exercises. She believed a strong mind required a strong body, and that discipline began with routine. The children marched, stretched, and followed her commands with precision—not out of fear, but out of respect. They knew she cared deeply about their success, their health, and their future.
Her discipline was always rooted in compassion. She did not allow the boys to shoot marbles on their knees—not because she disapproved of the game, but because she understood the wear and tear on their pants, and the hardship that placed on their parents. One former student, Bobby B., remembered being lifted by the back of his pants and set firmly on his feet, followed by a stern warning that ensured he never tried it again. Under her guidance, the boys learned to become excellent marble shooters—this time, from a standing position.
Students also shared humorous memories that became part of Okemah legend. Several alumni remembered the specimen closet in Mrs. Slaughter’s classroom, which doubled as a coat closet and the time-out room. One student, James B., admitted he behaved himself because he wanted no part of sitting alone in a closed room with jars of preserved creatures staring back at him. Another alumna, Connie B., recalled hurrying to hang her coat, fearful that something inside those jars might crawl out—while a few brave students stood in awe, fascinated by the specimens Mrs. Slaughter collected for her science lessons.
They laughed about the wide wooden paddle she kept—not as a tool, but as a masterful reminder that good behavior was always the best choice.
In music class, Jean D. and Shirley F. recalled how Mrs. Slaughter gently tapped their fingers with a pencil when they missed too many piano notes, guiding them patiently toward the correct keys. These stories, shared with affection and laughter, reveal the warmth behind her discipline and the lifelong impact she had on her students.
Connie B. also shared a memory filled with admiration, saying she was “fascinated” by Mrs. Slaughter’s extraordinary teaching ability. She recalled how Mrs. Slaughter could teach boys and girls to read—even when they arrived to school in their early adolescent years having never attended school before, due to their families living and working in cotton camps. Her ability to reach every child, no matter their age or starting point, was nothing short of remarkable.
These daily rituals and gentle corrections became core memories for the children of Okemah. They remember the sound of her voice calling them to order. They remember the structure she brought to their days. They remember how she corrected them firmly but fairly—always with the intention of building character.
To her students, she was the standard.
To her community, she was an anchor.
To history, she remains a symbol of strength, leadership, and unwavering commitment.
This dedication honors her legacy—a legacy carried in the hearts of every child she taught, every family she supported, and every life she touched.
She will always be remembered.
The Okemah Community Historical Foundation
Exciting News
Click Here to get your copy of our recently published Okemah Community historical book.
Family
Church
Community
The Beginning of The Okemah Community and its Growth Through the Years
Okemah is no longer what it used to be. The community is nestled between 32nd street and 48th street, from Broadway to the South and Salt River to the North. The community was changed from residential to industrial but the hearts, souls, and spirits of Okemah did not.
Click here to read the full story.
Click here to watch the Channel 15 News Interview.
Okemah Community Recognition Day
October 20, 2018
