The Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits (OKCNP) will host the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence (ONE) Awards on April 24, 2021, in Tulsa with limited attendance. The event will be livestreamed on OKCNP’s website as well. Leading up to the event we are celebrating the 21 Oklahoma nonprofit finalists in seven categories. Tulsa Literary Coalition (TLC)/Magic City Books (MCB) is a finalist in the Arts and Humanities category.

“Being recognized in this way by OKCNP at this critical time is a testament to the big work we’ve done (staff, board, volunteers) for years and the little daily efforts that add up to a larger aggregate impact,” said Jeff Martin, president and cofounder, TLC/MCB. 

TLC was founded in 2016 and opened MCB, an independent book store, as part of their programs to fund TLC. TLC and MCB work to provide literary programs and services for Tulsans of all races, ages, ethnicities, religious affiliations, LGBTQ gender orientations and other underrepresented groups. They pride themselves in having diverse and inclusive programming that reflects the diverse populations and interests within the Tulsa community and beyond.

In addition to MCB, TLC offers literary programing that attracts visitors outside of Tulsa and even Oklahoma. Their programs include book discussion groups, poetry readings, children’s story hours and more. Perhaps their most recognized programs are those featuring acclaimed local, national and international authors.

Prior to COVID-19, they had featured over 100 author programs. They have since shifted to virtual programs, hosting over 75 local, national and international authors. Authors include Margaret Atwood, Erin Brockovich, Ta-Nehisi Coates, John Grisham, Joy Harjo, Matthew McConaughey, John Waters and many more.

“TLC and MCB help ensure we have the kind of thoughtful culture today’s business leaders and talented worker seek,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of Tulsa Regional Chamber.

They realize collaborations are key in their programs offerings and success. They have partnered with over 90 local nonprofits working in arts, social services and education to serve audiences generated from both organizations.

In 2020, many of their featured programs centered on fighting racism, discussing public health and homelessness, the politics surrounding food and gender assignment and identity, domestic violence, water scarcity, immigration, defense of the first amendment and more.

“TLC/MCB are changing the way people feel about Oklahoma,” said Teresa Miller, director emerita, Center for Poets and Writers at Oklahoma State University - Tulsa, advisory board member, MCB. “Writers come and then share what they have seen. This is a big deal because the state still has some stereotypes to overcome.”

To learn more about TLC/MCB, visit their website: https://magiccitybooks.com/.

ONE Awards is dedicated to honoring the outstanding work of Oklahoma nonprofits statewide. The ONE Awards also serves as the primary fundraising event for the OKCNP. Proceeds from the ONE Awards enable OKCNP to serve communities throughout Oklahoma.

To learn more about the OKCNP ONE Awards or to watch the event, visit: https://okcnp.org/page/one-awards.