FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation to Honor Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. with Prestigious HOPE Award at Annual Dinner of Reconciliation
TULSA, OK – November 12, 2026
The John Hope Franklin (JHF) Center for Reconciliation will present its prestigious HOPE Award to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. during the annual Dinner of Reconciliation on Thursday, November 19, 2026.
The HOPE Award recognizes individuals who embody the vision of legendary historian and educator Dr. John Hope Franklin by actively dismantling racial barriers, elevating historic truths, and fostering meaningful community healing. Chief Hoskin is being honored for his transformative leadership in tribal and racial reconciliation, notably his historic initiatives on equality for Cherokee Freedmen and his collaborative efforts to bridge the shared histories of African American and Indigenous communities in Oklahoma.
"True reconciliation requires confronting our history honestly and working courageously to build an inclusive future," said Reuben Gant, Executive Director of the JHF Center. "Principal Chief Hoskin’s ongoing leadership exemplifies the very spirit of hope and healing that Dr. Franklin championed. We are proud to honor his dedication to equity, unity, and historical clarity at this year's Dinner of Reconciliation."
Under the Hoskin/Warner Administration, the Cherokee Nation has taken historic steps toward public education and representation. His recent collaboration with the JHF Center includes installing official tribal banners at John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park to highlight the shared ancestral boundaries and historical journeys of African American, Cherokee, and Muscogee peoples. Additionally, his administration has committed to erecting a dedicated Freedmen monument at the tribe’s historic capital square in Tahlequah.
"I am deeply honored to receive the HOPE Award from an organization that does the vital work of healing our communities through equality, education and truth," said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. "Reconciliation is not a passive sentiment; it demands action, investment, and an unwavering commitment to justice. The Cherokee Nation remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our partners to ensure that the diverse, complex stories of all our citizens are told accurately and with dignity."
The Dinner of Reconciliation brings together community leaders, historians, and advocates to reflect on progress and support the ongoing mission of the JHF Center. This year’s event also highlights the center’s ongoing capital campaign to construct a new 7,000-square-foot facility at Reconciliation Park, which will expand community classrooms, research libraries, and gallery spaces dedicated to generating social harmony.
Event Details:
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What: The JHF Center Annual Dinner of Reconciliation
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When: Thursday, November 19, 2026
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Where:
The Vista at 21
21 N Greenwood Ave, 5th FL
Tulsa, OK -
Tickets/Information: www.jhfcenter.org | Telephone: 918-295-5009
About the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation
Founded to transform society by honoring the legacy of Dr. John Hope Franklin, the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation promotes truth-telling, education, and historical clarity. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the center works to bridge racial divides and build a more harmonious future through community dialogue, scholarships, and public engagement.
About the Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States. With more than 470,000 tribal citizens globally, the Cherokee Nation is dedicated to preserving its language, culture, and sovereignty while fostering economic development and public health across its reservation.
Media Contact: Reuben Gant, Executive Director, 918-295-5009, rgant@jhfcenter.org