Oklahoma City marked the 150th birthday of social reformer Kate Barnard on May 23, as Mayor David Holt declared the day in her honor, celebrating a legacy deeply intertwined with the state’s history of social justice and charitable work. At a remembrance ceremony held by Mayor Holt and WILLO, an employee organization at City Hall, attendees gathered to honor the trailblazing advocate who fought relentlessly for the underprivileged and championed rights for Native American children, fair labor standards, and the establishment of the state’s first juvenile justice system. According to a statement from Mayor Holt obtained by okc.gov, Kate Barnard’s story continues to inspire and challenge Oklahomans to lead lives of purpose and compassion.
Near Barnard’s final resting place at Fairlawn Cemetery, participants of the ceremony, which included a speech by author Connie Cronley, laid white flowers on Barnard's headstone in a gesture of respect, Cronley, who penned “A Life on Fire: Oklahoma’s Kate Barnard,” shared anecdotes that highlighted Barnard's commitment and tenacity, stating, "To know the story of 'our good angel Kate' is to be inspired and amazed," Mayor Holt echoed during the service, which saw the community both remembering her victories and reflecting on the continuous journey towards her envisioned Utopia. Sarah Boggs, the WILLO Support Committee Chair, encouraged attendees to embody Barnard’s vision: “Personally, I wish to see…all the races of the world excel mentally, morally, and physically, but my Utopia is a long way off,” as Barnard once expressed on okc.gov, a quote Boggs highlighted at the observance.
Barnard’s work laid the foundation for numerous initiatives within Oklahoma, including child labor laws and mental health care reforms, with her legacy continuing through organizations like the United Way of Central Oklahoma and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, her story remains an integral part of the state’s narrative and serves as a testament to Barnard’s resilience and drive to incite change. Commemorated not only by the annual observance of Kate Barnard Day but also immortalized through a bronze statue on display at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Barnard's contributions are widely recognized, and in 1982, they earned her a place in the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, these honors reflect the enduring respect for her work decades after her passing.
WILLO, the City-employee organization behind the event, stands as a steward of Barnard's principles, striving to empower women within the Oklahoma City workforce. The group offers resources and community-building opportunities aimed at fostering leadership, learning, and personal growth among its members, as noted on okc.gov.
