Resolution; recognizing businessman, banker and accomplished journalist Russell M. Perry; and praising his significant contributions to the state.

Resolution
ENROLLED SENATE
RESOLUTION NO. 13 By: Jett and Coleman

A Resolution recognizing businessman, banker, and
accomplished journalist Russell M. Perry; and
praising his significant contributions to the state.

WHEREAS, Russell M. Perry is a highly accomplished businessman,
banker, community leader, former state official, publisher,
broadcaster, and journalist; and

WHEREAS, born in 1939 during the Jim Crow era of segregation in
Oklahoma City and homeless at the age of 12, Russell M. Perry
surmounted a great host of unjust odds to live a life of
extraordinary achievement and leadership in our state; and

WHEREAS, Russell M. Perry devoted his journalistic passion to
serving the African American community, founding The Black
Chronicle, the largest weekly newspaper in Oklahoma, in 1979;
working to restore black commerce in Oklahoma City; and creating
opportunity and access for his community and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Russell M. Perry is the founder and owner of the media
powerhouse Perry Publishing & Broadcasting, which today is the
largest independent radio group in Oklahoma, the largest African
American broadcasting company in the nation, and the network station
that brought urban radio to Oklahoma City; and

WHEREAS, Russell M. Perry is a dedicated civic leader who has
served on the Oklahoma Development Finance Authority, the Oklahoma
Industrial Finance Authority, and the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal
Authority, as well as numerous business and banking boards and
councils; and

ENR. S. R. NO. 13 Page 2
WHEREAS, Russell M. Perry has been recognized for his industry
achievements with inductions into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of
Fame, the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the
American Urban Radio Network Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and the
Oklahoma Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, in 1999, Governor Frank Keating nominated Russell M.
Perry to serve as the Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, making Perry
the first African American in the state’s history to serve in this
prestigious position.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 1ST SESSION
OF THE 60TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes the remarkable life of
Russell M. Perry, his significant contributions to the social and
economic development of Oklahoma, and his enduring legacy of service
to his community and his state.

Adopted by the Senate the 7th day of April, 2025.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________
day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________