Thick Descriptions

10/14/2026

🎙 Have you already listened to our latest podcast episode with Jon West-Bey?

In this excert Jon talks about what the idea of museums could be and how it has evolved through time. Museums play a significant role in preserving human stories and shaping collective memory, and current generation can help reimagine how we document and understand humanity.

Listen now:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/kz/podcast/from-museums-to-movement-reimagining-how-we-preserve/id1661866310?i=1000793268067
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pNBHLGekkqEWbteOeDgKX?si=vaZl-NcVQ0aJLc-D2k_jxQ
YouTube: https://youtu.be/dNt1p3eK860?si=AbDjYT6VIiMPNcY_

10/12/2026

Ben Quirino from our partner organization Latino Community Development Agency LCDA Latino Clubs shares how Thick Descriptions’ steAm Learning Journey promotes cultural integration and provides out of the box learning to youth. We’re so grateful for such testimony!

You can also donate and support us to bring steAm education to more youth and families across Oklahoma: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/giving-tuesdaydonate-to-steam

10/07/2026

Our 10th Anniversary Fundraising Soiree brought together so many of the people who have been part of the Thick Descriptions story, some from the beginning, and some who are just joining us 💙

Thank you to everyone who showed up, helped to make it possible by supporting our shared commitment to creating more opportunities for young people through steAm Learning Journeys. We’re grateful for every person who has been part of these 10 years and excited for what comes next.

10/05/2026

🎙 Listen to our new "Elephant in the Room - Unboxed" podcast episode with Jon West-Bey!

In this episode of Elephant in the Room Unboxed, Suzette Vontell Chang sits down with museum consultant, educator, curator, and Johns Hopkins University lecturer Jon West-Bey to explore the power of museums to preserve human stories and shape collective memory.

Jon shares his journey from volunteering at a museum to founding the American Poetry Museum at age 27, and reflects on entrepreneurship, funding, leadership, and the evolving role of museums. Together, Suzette and Jon discuss the connections between museums, anthropology, archaeology, and history; and why the next generation must help reimagine how we document and understand humanity.

Jon has curated over 60 exhibitions and produced and managed numerous award-winning public, educational, and multimedia programs across multiple disciplines, including history, art, literature, and cultural studies. He is also the founder of the American Poetry Museum in Washington, D.C., and spent 10 years as its executive director. As a consultant, he has had a client list that has included the Urban Civil Rights Museum in Harlem, the Black Wall Street History Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan.

Listen now:
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/kz/podcast/from-museums-to-movement-reimagining-how-we-preserve/id1661866310?i=1000793268067
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2pNBHLGekkqEWbteOeDgKX?si=vaZl-NcVQ0aJLc-D2k_jxQ
YouTube: https://youtu.be/dNt1p3eK860
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09/30/2026

Why support Thick Descriptions?

Cedric Currin-Moore, our partner from It's My Community Youth Initiative and our former Board Member, shares the importance of steAm learning and how Thick Descriptions expands the young minds. We really appreciate and grateful for your support of Thick Descriptions' mission all these years!

If you also want to contribute to expansion of steAm across Oklahoma, any donation to the cause would make a difference: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/giving-tuesdaydonate-to-steam

09/28/2026

Stepping into Virtual Reality through steAm Learning Journey!

This summer during our Langston steAm Learning Journey in Spencer, youth had the opportunity to explore virtual reality and see how technology can connect with agriculture and hands-on learning.

But before bringing the experience to students, Thick Descriptions team members participated in The University of Oklahoma Virtual Reality Research Program “Smart Learning in Virtual Reality.” They then brought what they learned into our steAm program and connected VR to agriculture for our youth. Kids loved learning through such innovative hands-on experience!

09/24/2026

🎙️ Listen to our latest "Elephant in the Room - Unboxed" podcast episode with Dr. Niel Tashima

Dr. Robin Miles and Suzette Vontell Chang sit down with Dr. Niel Tashima for a conversation about career pivots, community-driven leadership, anthropology, and the changing role of anthropologists in a tech-driven world. They also discuss AI, its ethical questions, and why anthropologists have an important role to play in shaping its future.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tlZ4vfRLrr8?si=PsYI9t-6_wUJuil3

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/kz/podcast/finding-your-place-in-anthropology-leadership-community/id1661866310?i=1000787220555
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/57qzsRSuXhHdhWpmwR18fo?si=BL39wtVJTYmgTEe1v5r3kQ

In this episode, co-hosts Suzette Chang and Dr. Robin Miles sit dow...

09/21/2026

Our steAm Learning Journeys at Northside and Guthrie YMCA gave youth the chance to explore not only aviation but also biology through hands-on activities 🔬

Students explored the world of biology by using microscopes to observe specimens up close and learn more about the living world around them. From flying drones to looking through a microscope, steAm gives young people the opportunity to explore different fields, ask questions, and experience learning firsthand.

09/16/2026

Thank you for celebrating 10 years of Thick Descriptions with us! 💙

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined our Soiree! Thank you to our sponsors and partners as well. Your support helps us continue steAm Learning Journeys and bring hands-on learning experiences to young people in 2027.

Oklahoma Historical Society Tinker Federal Credit Union Metro Tech Oklahoma City Community College Chicken N Pickle - Oklahoma City Amanda Bradford

09/14/2026

steAm Learning Journey created aviation experience for youth at Northside YMCA

Young minds explored the world of aviation and got hands-on experience flying drones. Students had the chance to turn what they learned into real-world activity and have some fun along the way! This is what steAm is all about: giving young people opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn by doing 💙 Northside Family YMCA