There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals."
~ Idowu Koyenikan
Mission
TULLAHASSEE WILDCATS FOUNDATION was created to deliver strategic, exceptional services to Tullahassee and the surrounding community. By creating value in the community, we aim to preserve the rich history of this community while also building toward the future.
Who We Are
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Marty Hytche
Chairman
Growing up and spending his formative years in Tullahassee, Marty has always felt a strong sense of belonging to the community. He attributes much of his success to the environment in which he was raised. Marty aims to reestablish this community as a vibrant gathering place, inspiring the youth to strive for success rather than simply settling for what they can get.
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Shalon Youngblood
Secretary
Shalon, a fourth-generation native of Tullahassee, attended Carter G. Woodson School until its closure in 1990 and lived there until graduating from college in 2000. Shalon has deep family ties to the community and is dedicated to the town's rebuilding and revitalization efforts.
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Lori Thompson
Co-Treasurer
Lori, a radiographer by trade, champions community interconnectivity. Her leadership in Muskogee extends to Tullahassee, where she preserves heritage and fosters unity. As President of the Muskogee BRICK Optimist Club and Youth Director at the Oklahoma Baptist State Congress, Lori’s efforts ensure that history thrives amidst urban migration.Lori champions her heritage as Treasurer and Events Coordinator for the Wildcats Foundation, ensuring a bright future for Oklahoma’s historic all-black town.
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Rikisha Harrison
Board Member
Rikisha, a genealogist with ancestral ties to Tullahassee, is dedicated to helping rebuild the town where her forebears once lived. Her mission is to ensure that people remember the history of Tullahassee and their ancestors.
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Wayne Hytche
Board Member
Wayne’s heart beats in sync with the pulse of Tullahassee. A proud 1985 valedictorian and basketball standout, his spirit is woven into the town’s fabric. Wayne is a cornerstone of community engagement, preserving the town’s beauty and sharing its stories. His commitment to Tullahassee’s legacy is unwavering, as he actively participates in its upkeep and keeps fellow residents connected to the town’s vibrant future.
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Keisha Currin
Board Member
Born and raised in Tullahassee, Keisha is well-grounded in this community. She is very involved in preserving the rich history of Tullahassee. Keisha serves as the mayor and continues to build on positive development in the community.
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Tyrone Jones
Board Member
Tyrone, deeply connected to Tullahassee through his strong family ties, spent much of his formative years at his grandparents' house, fostering a deep appreciation for the town's rich history and community bonds. Driven by these cherished memories, Tyrone works diligently behind the scenes, providing the essential support that helps make the Tullahassee Wildcats Foundation successful. His dedication to preserving the town's heritage and contributing to its development is at the heart of his efforts.
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Melody Cranford
Board Member
Councilor Melody Cranford is a National Board Certified Educator and advocate for generational empowerment. She is the founder of Dot2Dot Educational Collaboration, which works in cities to bridge gaps between youth, families, and the community stakeholders. As a member of the Muskogee City Council and 2nd Vice-president of the Muskogee Branch NAACP she seeks to ensure the future of Tullahassee through engagement, outreach and collaborative partnerships.
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Charonda Jordan
Co-Treasurer
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Sharita Gaines
Board Member
A fifth-generation native of Tullahassee, Sharita was born and raised in the town she holds dear. As a devoted mother of four, she continues to nurture her family in this beloved community. Sharita proudly contributes to the Tullahassee Wildcats Foundation, sharing her rich family history with her children while passionately working towards the revitalization of her hometown.