Honoring Greenwood’s Legacy: Council of Elders Induction

Greenwood Legacy Corporation formally welcomed its inaugural Council of Elders on October 24, 2026, at Rudisill Regional Library. The ceremony celebrated nine community leaders whose service, wisdom, and lived experience will help guide Greenwood’s future. The program also included remarks from special guest Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols.

The inaugural Council includes Dr. Patricia Carter Breeckner, Derek Gates, Mary Howell, Linda Jenkins, Pastor LeRon West, Dr. Art Williams, Mary Williams, Dr. La Verne Ford Wimberly and Bobby Woodard. Together, they bring experience spanning education, ministry, business, healthcare, historic preservation and community advocacy.

Selected through community nominations and a review process, the Elders will serve as trusted advisers and knowledge keepers. Their guidance will help GLC advance the Kirkpatrick Heights / Greenwood Master Plan while remaining grounded in cultural values, community accountability and the vision for generational Black wealth.

We thank the Elders, families, community members and partners who joined us in celebrating this milestone.