Thunder Fellows “Seeds of Greenwood” movie airs in Tulsa

TULSA, Okla. — The “Thunder Fellows Program” is an after school program for black high school students in Tulsa, developed by the OKC Thunder. It helps them learn about new opportunities in sports and technology.

Thunder Fellows is making sure the kids who come to this after school program twice a week know the sky is the limit.

“You can do anything you want to do and putting them in contact with industry leaders in sports entertainment and tech to get them to see how tangible these opportunities may be and help shape their passions and interests,” Executive Director for Thunder Fellows, Cedrick Ikpo, said.

Ikpo says the idea started on the eve of the 99th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This year that idea became reality. Thunder Fellows is finishing the inaugural year with 9th and 10th graders, but has plans to expand throughout high school grades and college.

In the Seeds of Greenwood film, Thunder Fellows wanted to showcase the important work they’re doing in the community and reaction from the kids.

Ikpo said kids are committed to the program, even though it means extra work outside of school.

“Not only are we teaching them data analytics, technical skills and soft skills but just helping them become better citizens while creating career pipelines for sports entertainment and tech,” Ikpo said. “We’re really focused on weaving in the historical aspects of what Greenwood meant to this community and how to reseed the next generation of young Black Wall Street members.”

Seeds of Greenwood echoes that, but also the need to fill generational wealth gaps in the long run.

“We are teaching them the principles of Greenwood and Black Wall Street and trying to usher in that next generation to pay it forward,” Ikpo said.

Applications for Thunder Fellows opens up again next month.

There’s a public screening of the movie Saturday at 2pm at Circle Cinema. You can get tickets here.

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