TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa is remembering Ruford Henderson tonight, after a life devoted to civil rights. Henderson was the former president of the Tulsa NAACP chapter.
Members of the north Tulsa community thank Henderson for helping to bring more understanding and attention on the community, and the history many once avoided.
"I think that's what everyone will remember him for," said Joi McCondichie, whose dad was friends Henderson, "his work he did in the community, but he was soft too. He was very loving."
With all the changes happening on Greenwood and in the community as a whole, neighbors still see all the good Henderson has had his hand in, and how much he inspired people to change things for the better.
"We pattern ourselves after him," McCondichie said. "We're trying to keep hope alive and continue some of the works he's done into the next generation."
Henderson was involved with civil rights for more than four decades. Over that time he became Tulsa's NAACP president and co-founded the Tulsa chapter of 100 Black Men.
"He was on the front lines," said Rep. Regina Goodwin. "He was not that kind of leader who talked about it; he was a foot soldier when he needed to be, and he was a general when he needed to be."
A celebration service for Ruford Henderson will be held Saturday, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Tulsa.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
