As part of the America250 programming, the Oklahoma History Center Museum will host a special screening of Big Medicine: York Outdoors on Saturday, April 25, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

This documentary reclaims and elevates the story of York, the only Black member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, while following a group of Black outdoor leaders on a four-day expedition through Montana’s Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Their journey retraces the path of the original Corps of Discovery while honoring York’s legacy and highlighting the healing, empowerment, and joy that the natural world can offer.

A conversation featuring Dr. Gwedolyn Fuller Mukes, Civil Rights activist and folklorist, Lauren Nixon, OKC Beautiful program coordinator, and Tony Pascall with the Oklahoma Forestry Services will follow the screening.

About the presenters:

Dr. Gwendolyn Fuller Mukes

In August 1958, Dr. Mukes and 12 other members of the NAACP Youth Chapter were thrust into history when they became the original Civil Rights “Sit-Inners,” eventually leading to the desegregation of public accommodations in Oklahoma.

This experience began her lifelong dedication to pursuing equal treatment for all, her lifelong quest to learn more about her people’s history and history of other cultures, and her mission of helping others appreciate different cultures in our society. In her one-woman show, Gwen portrays historical African-American historical figures, including: Harriet Tubman, Conductor on the Underground Railroad; Sojourner Truth, Abolitionist and Suffragette; Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and friend to President Franklin D. and Mrs. Roosevelt; Bessie Coleman, first African American aviator; Rosa Parks, Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, and Stagecoach Mary, a Pony Express rider who never lost her mail.

Dr. Mukes’ presentations emphasize respect for cultural diversity, even as they promote character development. An African folklorist, Dr. Mukes enjoys telling stories of the Anansi people of Africa, involving her audience members as participants.

Lauren Nixon serves as OKC Beautiful’s Program Coordinator. She works across all programs, with a particular focus on volunteer engagement and community initiatives such as LitterBlitz and Adopt-A-Spot. Additionally, she serves in leadership positions on both the Farmers Market District’s beautification committee and the Central Oklahoma Volunteer Administrators committee.

Lauren is a graduate of Maryville University, where she studied Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship, and is working toward a Master’s in Public Administration from University of Central Oklahoma. She is passionate about conservation and beautification and is excited to put her knowledge in action as a part of the OKC Beautiful team. As a former AmeriCorps Service Member, Lauren has a big heart for her community

and wants to see her hometown of Oklahoma City thrive. Lauren loves hiking, autumn weather, and music. She likes to spend her time exploring new places in OKC.

Tony Pascall is the education coordinator for the Oklahoma Forestry Services, where he plans and implements education and outreach events for schools, clubs, scout groups, and more, all around the state. He is also the state coordinator for Project Learning Tree and board president for The Oklahoma Association for Environmental Education (OKAEE). In these roles he works to increase training opportunities in environmental education for adults.

Tony has a passion for environmental education and enjoys sharing a love of the outdoors with others. In his free time, you may find him hiking, playing board games, or cooking. He lives in Edmond with his wife, Maree, his dog Persimmon, and two cats, Kaylee and Jiji.