TALK OF GREENWOOD
Dr. Jerry Goodwin
Featured Image. Mayor G. T. Bynum presents the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year award to librarian Keith Jemison. Photo Provided
Keith Jemison, manager of the Rudisill Regional Library and founder of the African American Resource Center (AARC), was named the 2023 Humanitarian of the Year Award recipient by the City of Tulsa and the Human Rights Commission. The award recognizes and celebrates Tulsans who have gone above and beyond in humanitarian work, according to the city’s website announcing the award.
“I am humbled and surprised to receive the Humanitarian Award. I am grateful for the Human Rights Commission for honoring me,” said Jemison.
“I strongly support the City of Tulsa’s Resilience Strategy pillar to build an inclusive future that honors ‘all’ Tulsans and one that truly celebrates our diversity.”
In giving the award to Jemison, Mayor G. T. Bynum said, “I am incredibly grateful for the Human Rights Commission and what it represents, and this yearly award is another great way we are recognizing the amazing work being done by passionate residents in our community.”
Celebrating 50 years with the Tulsa City-County Library, Jemison founded AARC, located at Rudisill, with the purpose to collect, preserve, and provide access to resources honoring and documenting the experiences of people of the African diaspora.
“The Tulsa City County Library’s African American Resource Center at the Rudisill Library is our contribution to Tulsa’s diversity, rich heritage, and culture for all,” said Jemison.
In addition to serving as manager of Rudisill, he is also north regional manager for the TCCL, overseeing branch library operations at Suburban Acres, Judy Z. Kishner, Skiatook, Collinsville, and Kendall-Whittier locations.
