2007 Black History Maker
Cassandra Gaines

Cultural Events Coordinator, Founder, Black Town Tours, Muskogee, Oklahoma

Black History Maker - For almost a decade, Cassandra Gaines has led Blacks into places many never knew existed. Gaines is the Multicultural Coordinator and Historic Black Town Tours Director at Muskogee Convention in Oklahoma. In 1997, she founded the Black Town Tours and said they have gained in popularity over the years.

“People are interested because they tell history that has been relatively untouched before.” Gaines said of the tours. “These bus tours provides an opportunity to open doors to often-overlooked information about the state's cultural history.” Many African Americans are totally unaware that all black towns still exist.

Gaines success has led to consulting jobs with other states interested in developing African-American heritage tourism. Her groups travel by bus; an expert lectures on board, and local historians meet and guide them.

Last summer Gaines led a group of Manual Training High School graduates who were in town for a reunion on a tour that began at Taft and ended at Langston University. The group learned of a foiled bank robbery attempt by Pretty Boy Floyd at Boley and enjoyed music and food.

After the Civil War, there were about 50 all-black towns founded in the Oklahoma Territories. Many of the towns were quite successful, but they were eventually undone by factors including the Depression, Jim Crow laws, intimidation by whites and urbanization. Today, over 20 of those original towns still exist in Oklahoma, and they all still have all-black or literally all black populations.

Gaines expects interest in black tourism to increase with events during Oklahoma’s Centennial this fall, including the Annual Soul Food Cook-Off she founded which draws roughtly 3,000 people and is scheduled for February 1, 2007.

Gaines has certainly had her share of deserving honors. In 2002, she received the Maxine Cissel Horner Spirit of Community Excellence Award for her outstanding community service to the city of Muskogee and the state of Oklahoma. In 1999, Gaines was one of the 50 finalist for the Woman of the Year Award which recognizes excellence in business and community involvement.

Today, We Honor- Everyday People and Black History Maker
Ms. Cassandra Gaines

TOURS AND EVENTS
The Tulsa City-County Library
The Battle of Honey Springs Historic Site
The Boley Historical Museum Tours

Boley's Annual All-Black Rodeo
Clearview, An all-black town with yearly all-black rodeo
D. C. Minner's Dusk 'til Dawn Blues Festival
Civil War Candlelight Tour at the Honey Springs Battlefield

For dates and times on upcoming tours and events, Call Cassandra Gaines's tours 1-(888) 687-6137, extension 25. OR email cassytours@sbcglobal.net.

For information on the Annual Soul-Food Cook-Off scheduled February, 1, 2007, Call Cassandra Gaines at 1-(888) 687-6137, extension 23. OR email cassytours@sbcglobal.net.

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