Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

06/17/2026

We're excited to welcome our 2026 Summer Fellows to Oklahoma Appleseed!
This summer, we're joined by two talented scholars and advocates whose experiences span law, sociology, youth advocacy, child welfare, and public interest research.

Jemima Akweley Agyeman is a Ph.D. student in Sociology at Oklahoma State University whose research focuses on youth justice reform, child protection systems, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. She brings more than a decade of experience in child welfare and social services, including leadership roles advancing child protection efforts in Ghana.

Rachel Lilly is a J.D. candidate at the University of Oklahoma College of Law with a background in political science, philosophy, and public interest advocacy. Her interdisciplinary perspective and commitment to justice inform her legal studies and community-focused work.

We are grateful to have Jemima, and Rachel with us this summer as they contribute their talents, insights, and dedication to advancing justice in Oklahoma.
Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

06/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, joined the conversation, and helped make Youth Voices for Change such a meaningful part of the Lowrider Show & Sparring Boxing event.

From community connection and cultural celebration to powerful conversations led by young people, the day was a reminder that when youth are given space to share their experiences and ideas, our communities grow stronger.
We're grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and helped create such a welcoming atmosphere. Check out some of our favorite moments in our stories!

06/11/2026

Before you head to the polls, take a few minutes to review your personalized ballot at okvoterportal.okelections.gov. Knowing what’s on your ballot ahead of time gives you the chance to research candidates and issues before you vote!

And remember: this isn’t just a primary election, it’s also a special election. That means all registered voters can participate in the special election, including voters with no party affiliation.

Make a plan, cast your ballot, and encourage your friends and family to vote, too.

06/09/2026

Make your voice heard! Primary elections help decide who will appear on the general election ballot, and participating is one of the most impactful ways to engage in your community.

Early voting is available to all Oklahoma voters! You can vote in person before Election Day at your designated county early voting location.

Click here: https://hosting.okelections.gov/earlyvote.html to identify a location near you.

Early Voting Hours:
• Thursday & Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday (before state and federal primary/general elections): 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Make a plan and help ensure your voice is heard!

06/04/2026

Join us in OKC on June 6th for a day of community, culture, and connection!

We're excited to be part of the Lowrider Show & Sparring Boxing event this Saturday, June 6, featuring live boxing demonstrations, classic lowriders, local vendors, food, family activities, and more.

At 1 PM, Oklahoma Appleseed will host Youth Voices for Change, a youth-led panel creating space for young people to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas for building stronger communities.

This event is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages. Bring the kids, support local vendors, and spend the day celebrating the community.

Where: Calle Dos Cinco (SW 25th & South Harvey, OKC) from 11 AM–6 PM
Youth Voices for Change Panel: 1 PM
We hope to see you there!

05/22/2026

Some people change Oklahoma quietly: in classrooms, in the community, in court, and in conversations that may never make the news.

On September 25th, we're making some noise.

The Good Apple Awards returns to Tulsa to honor public interest heroes doing the work that uplifts Oklahoma. Save the date for September 25, 2026. Tickets drop this summer!

05/22/2026

05/13/2026

A few days of reconnecting, building new relationships, and sharing ideas across the network!

Tulsa hosted the 2026 Meeting, bringing together justice centers from across the U.S. and Mexico to share strategies, build community, and remind ourselves that systems change is deeply collaborative work.

We’re grateful to have welcomed space for big questions and layered conversations. Thank you to every colleague, organizer, advocate, and partner who made this gathering possible.

Until next year! 🍎

05/12/2026

Legislative update: progress worth celebrating!

Here’s where several key bills currently stand:
• SB1379 has fully passed and establishes support services for survivors of human trafficking.
• HB4113 has passed both chambers and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
• HB4326 has passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature.
• SB1805 passed both chambers but was vetoed by the Governor.
SB1805 would help bring more consistency and stability to youth detention centers by ending the use of temporary agency staffing.

How you can help:
Call Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton and urge him to override the veto on SB1805: https://rb.gy/v8xppm

Thank you to everyone who has stayed engaged, advocated, and continued showing up throughout the session. We’ll continue sharing updates as these bills move through the final stages.

05/08/2026

We have just wrapped up an amazing 2026 meeting! Three days full of wisdom, honesty and inspiration that helped us strengthen our work, ideas, and goals.

Tulsa was this year’s host city and we were honored to have welcomed our colleagues from out of town to our city.

Thank you for joining us and for sharing our mission to fight for the rights and opportunities for every Oklahoman. As we say goodbye today, we hope to continue to support each other and learn from each other, celebrating our wins(and learning from our trials) ahead.