Bishop-Baldwin’s awarded Oklahoma Changing World Prize

(Tulsa, OK) In his song, Changing World, Woody Guthrie wrote, “Change the pen and change the ink, Change the way you talk and think…Change the ways of this changing world.” In the spirit of those words and his legacy of fighting for social justice, the Woody Guthrie Center has created the Oklahoma Changing World Prize.

On Sunday, October 11, 2015, just a little over a year after they were married at the Tulsa County Courthouse, Mary and Sharon Bishop-Baldwin will be awarded the Woody Guthrie Center’s first Oklahoma Changing World Prize. The couple were the lead plaintiffs who challenged Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage in 2004, shortly after 76 percent of Oklahoma voters approved the ban. Together for 18 years, the Bishop-Baldwin’s represented thousands of gay and lesbian people in the Sooner State in Bishop v. United States, the lawsuit they filed seeking the freedom to marry.

“The Woody Guthrie Center is honored to establish the Oklahoma Changing World Prize, recognizing Oklahomans who continue Woody’s legacy of social justice advocacy,” said Deana McCloud, WGC Executive Director. “Mary and Sharon have worked tirelessly to advance equal rights for the LGBT community and marriage equality in our state.

“The fight for civil rights is one that affects all of us and ensures that all citizens have equality under the law. When considering the battles that Woody would be fighting today, we are confident he would be on the frontlines with these two amazing women,” McCloud concluded.

The presentation of the first Oklahoma Changing World Prize will be at a reception at the Woody Guthrie Center at 4pm on October 11. The celebration will continue in the garden space between the Hardesty Arts Center (AHHA) and the WGC with a light dinner and music from Eric Himan at 5pm. In the event of rain, dinner will be held inside AHHA.

All proceeds from this special event support the Woody Guthrie Center’s education initiatives. Individual ticket sales to the event are $100 and will go on sale September 12. Call the Center at (918) 574-2710 to purchase.

Call (918) 574-2522 for information about sponsorships.

The Gayly – September 12, 2015 @ 10:20am.