Jonathan Townsend

“IT SPARKS CREATIVITY AND LEADS TO GREAT SUCCESS”

"I've had a chance to see the Fly with Banning exhibit for myself and I was fascinated by the story of James Herman Banning and the materials used for depicting his legacy. I grew up in North Tulsa and went to the public schools in the community and unfortunately, I was never made aware of him. The fact that he was a black man like me, and an Oklahoman like me, makes his story ever so motivating to me. However, Banning's story is powerful enough to move and motivate anyone to overcome obstacles and to follow their dreams. Children in our community need to be exposed to figures that they are not so familiar with like Banning. It sparks creativity and leads to great success in the classroom as well as our communities."

— Jonathan Townsend, Assistant to the Mayor for Community Development and Policy