Black Americans have often turned to churches and faith leaders for mental health support. These Tulsans are encouraging their peers to consider other treatment options, too.
Author Archives: Ismael Lele
Ismael Lele is the business reporter at The Oklahoma Eagle. He is a Report for America corps member. Ismael has been reporting since he was in high school, where he channeled his interest for writing into the school newspaper. While at the University of Oklahoma, he wrote for the OU Daily as a sports and city reporter and, finally, as a news editor. Ismael found his passion for community journalism while attending city council meetings in Norman. He went on to spend a summer in Phoenix, Arizona as a Carnegie Knight News 21 fellow and researched the state of American democracy. Before joining The Oklahoma Eagle, he interned at The Tulsa World. Now, his reporting highlights Tulsa’s Black community and the north Tulsa area.
Posted inHealth
New avenues are opening for Black Tulsans to seek mental health treatment
Tulsa companies and counselors are creating spaces for Black clients to discover a safe space and work through mental health challenges.
Posted inNorth Tulsa
After controversy, Black Wall Street Chamber chairman says group is ready to relaunch
Former chamber leaders have levied accusations of financial mismanagement and disengagement. Now, the Tulsa business group is preparing for a relaunch.
Posted inHealth
Tulsa’s allergy season is getting shorter, but more intense
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s 2026 report found Tulsa the third-most challenging city to live in for people with a pollen allergy.
Posted inBusiness
Oasis to open Tulsa’s first downtown grocery store in a decade
Folks Urban Market closed in 2014 after only seven months of operation. The downtown area has been without a grocer since.
Posted inBusiness
Tulsa City Council could spend $2.5M on incentives to attract Oklahoma’s first IKEA
Construction on the state’s first IKEA is set to begin in April, with the Tulsa Hills store expected to open in November before the holiday season.
Posted inGovernment
Immigration enforcement, AI and space testing center land on Lankford’s priority list
Speaking to more than 250 Tulsans, the Oklahoma senator shared his concerns about the future of artificial intelligence and reaffirmed his support for ICE agents.
Posted inBusiness
IKEA’s first Oklahoma store is coming to Tulsa. Here’s what it means for the city.
In 2024, Tulsans organized a campaign called “Tulsa Loves IKEA” to attract the retail giant to Oklahoma. They say the results are evident.
Posted inBusiness
‘You can’t hide from it’: Oklahoma small business owners navigate unpredictable future
While Oklahoma small businesses have a widening customer base, labor and materials are getting more expensive. And Tulsa entrepreneurs are feeling it.
Posted inGovernment
Tulsa mayor, Oklahoma officials weigh in on growing ICE presence
Mayor Monroe Nichols voiced his disapproval of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s conduct in Minnesota during a Sunday forum.
Posted inNorth Tulsa
Oasis Fresh Market provides free lunch and dinner for students as Tulsa snow days mount
Oasis is one of two grocers in north Tulsa, which is considered a food desert with limited access to nutritious options.
Posted inBusiness
As Tulsa thaws, water main breaks are surging. Local businesses are feeling the impact.
Tulsa has seen at least 19 water main breaks since Winter Storm Fern hit. The breaks have had consequences for city crews and local businesses.