The Executive Director is Barbara Finley, one of the daughters of the late Rev. Hulon Mitchell. It was his wish that the Antioch Church of God in Christ building be used for this heritage center and museum. It opened in February, 2002, a year after his death.
The center plays tribute to black culture and its links to Enid and northwest Oklahoma. Early settlers, black Indians and freedmen have made their mark in the community as well as their descendants.
The museum encompasses the traditions from Africa and America, such as wedding rituals and tribal inheritance. There are authentic sculptures and artifacts from Africa as well as memorabilia from local heroes.
Visitors can sit in the reading area, the film area and the game area, browsing materials about black cowboys, buffalo soldiers, slaves and black Indians. The games teach children how the world has handled civil rights, then and now.
For those seeking their heritage, genealogy records are available. To capture modern history, there are collections featuring school trophies and college degrees, military uniforms and other career moves. Leona Mitchell, another daughter of Rev. Mitchell, who is a world renowned opera star has donated outfits from her past performances, posters, music albums and more to the museum.