The upcoming “Gala en Blanc,” scheduled for Sept. 28, will not only mark a major milestone for the Okmulgee community but also spotlight a significant historical event—the 100th anniversary of the Okmulgee Colored Hospital. The evening will be highlighted by a keynote address from Okmulgee native Kenneth W. Williams, Esq., whose personal connection to the event resonates deeply.

Williams, an accomplished attorney and author, shared his excitement for the occasion, stating, “I will be the guest speaker at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Okmulgee Colored Hospital. Okmulgee is my hometown, and this event is dear to my heart.”

He reflected on the hospital’s establishment, which served as a beacon of resilience for Okmulgee’s Black community during a time of exclusion from the city’s public hospital.

“The hospital opened in 1924 at a time when the Black residents of Okmulgee were denied admission and treatment at the city’s public hospital,” Williams recounted. “The residents raised $25,000 – over $400,000 in today’s dollars – and built, staffed, and operated the Okmulgee Colored Hospital for over 30 years. This was an extraordinary occurrence for a small, rural town.”

The “Gala en Blanc,” hosted by Landmark for All Generations, Inc., will take place at the historic Okmulgee Mansion. The event aims to raise funds for the preservation and restoration of the hospital building, with plans to transform it into a museum and cultural center. Guests are invited to attend in all-white attire for an elegant evening starting at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person, or tables of eight can be reserved at a discounted rate of $430.

Williams emphasized the significance of the preservation efforts, stating, “The Gala en Blanc is an effort to raise money for the preservation and restoration of the building. Come if you can, donate if you can’t, to this important part of American history that should never be forgotten.”

Beyond his ties to Okmulgee, Williams has a distinguished career in law and insurance, particularly in the realm of cyber insurance, and is the author of two novels set in part in his hometown. As the community comes together to honor the legacy of the Okmulgee Colored Hospital, Williams’ presence and words are sure to inspire attendees to reflect on the hospital’s role in local history and its continued importance today.

For more information on how to purchase tickets or support the event, contact Landmark for All Generations at 918-636-3981 or visit their Facebook page.

— About the Speaker

Okmulgee native Kenneth W. Williams, Esq., whose career in law and insurance spans over three decades. He began his insurance career as a Senior Claim Adjuster and rose to role of Chief Claims Officer in the US of the world’s largest reinsurance companies. As chief claims officer, he oversaw the adjustment of tens of billions of dollars in catastrophic losses, cyber-attacks, employment practices liability, primary and reinsurance, personal and commercial lines losses.

Williams established in April of 2013 what may have been the first cyber claims team at a major insurer. He and his team plowed new ground in Cyber Insurance coverage, underwriting and claims practices. The prototype created by Ken and his team permeates the industry today as his team members spread their talent in cyber leadership roles around the country.

Williams is a graduate of Cornell University with a B.A. in Government 1985. He is a member of the Quill & Dagger Senior Honor Society. He received his Juris Doctorate from Cornell Law School in 1988. He served as a student on the Cormell Board of Trustees and was a two-time winner of the Cornell Law School’s Moot Court Competition. After law school, Williams gained admission to the Connecticut Bar (1988) where he remains a member in good standing today.

Williams is a strong proponent of diversity, equity and inclusion and a community volunteer teaching, among other subjects, debating techniques to Hartford, Conn. high schoolers. He served as a Member of the Connecticut State Board of Pardons, The Windsor Connecticut School Board and as a Trustee for the Amistad Society.

Ken is the author of two books, Red Tail Heart and Wasted Water, both set all or in part in Okmulgee. He is passionate about storytelling and capturing the raw and unfiltered truths and complexity of everyday life in his writing. He is currently working on his third novel, a sci-fi adventure titled tentatively, Detroit Earth. Ken and his wife, Chef Renée, are also working on a yet to be titled culinary mystery.

Williams is an Okmulgee native and proud graduate of Okmulgee High School and member of the Class of 1981. He served as Senior Class President, a member of the National Honor Society, a National Forensics League Double Ruby recipient, was awarded All-Around Best Boy by the OHS faculty and represented the State of Oklahoma in the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Salt Lake City.

Williams pursued Speech and debate in college where represented he Cornell University as a National Finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Ken and Teesia (Chef Renée) Williams have been married for 34 years and have three wonderful children. They currently reside in Connecticut.