Former NBA player John Starks had his jersey retired by Central High School earlier this month. Starks, who graduated from Central in 1983, played in the league for 13 years.
“His journey from Tulsa’s local courts to the national spotlight embodies the resilience, hard work, and community pride that Central seeks to instill in every student,” said Quincey Robertson, an organizer for the dedication ceremony. Robertson called the occasion a “moment of pride for the community and the city of Tulsa.”
Starks spent the bulk of his career with the New York Knicks where he earned his lone All-Star selection. He also suited up for the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz with a short, four-game stint as a Chicago Bull.
Starks is best known for his dunk over Michael Jordan in the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals. Also a Sixth Man of the Year winner, he was the first NBA player to make over 200 three-pointers in a single season, doing so in 1994-95.
The jersey retirement featured tributes from former teammates, family, and friends as well as a special presentation by Ebony Johnson, superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, and other school officials.
New political party forming
The Sooner State Party spent February making its final push to get on the 2026 ballot. The group needed to collect 35,000 signatures by March 1 and as of Feb. 18 they’d gathered just shy of 32,000.
If successful, it will make history as the first political party in Oklahoma founded by African American, Cuban American and Native American leadership.
C.J. Webber-Neal and Cecilia Isac are the party’s co-founders, with Regan Burns serving as the executive director.
The organizers say the new party is a call to reshape political representation in a state where too many voices have long been unheard.
“Minority communities in Oklahoma have contributed profoundly to the state’s culture, economy and civic life,” the group said in a press release. “The organizers of the party said those same communities remain underrepresented in political power.”
The coalition’s backers say minority communities do not need to compete against one another for political attention. Instead, they can unite around common goals: fair access to the ballot, accountable government and policies that respect working families, tribal sovereignty, civil rights and economic opportunity.
“Too often, elections are decided before many voters ever reach the ballot box,” organizers said. “A new party means new conversations, new candidates and real competition for the public’s trust.”
U.S. Black Chambers academy and award winners
Morgan Stanley’s Small Business Academy and the U. S. Black Chambers are launching a grant program for small businesses.
It will focus on helping companies leverage their competitive advantage while building their professional networks.
The academy consists of a 12-week virtual learning experience, followed by a yearlong mentorship program. Applications close on March 6 with cohort selection on April 16.
You can find more details online.
The national group also announced its 2026 Power 50 “Women of Influence” class. This year’s theme is celebrating “Women Who Lead the Movement.”
Film icon Cheryl Boone Isaacs was named the Global Trailblazer of the Year. Boone Isaacs made history as the first Black president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, was picked as the Woman of the Year in recognition of her leadership, advocacy and commitment to equity and justice.
A celebration is scheduled for March 19 in Washington, D.C. See the complete list of 2026 Power 50 “Women of Influence” honorees online.
Editor’s note: Jerry Goodwin is the son of Eagle board member Jim Goodwin, owner of The Eagle.
