The first honoree was writer and longtime '' Saturday Review of Literature '' editor Norman Cousins , with the evening 's theme announced as " The Salutary Aspects of Laughter " . In 1997 , distinguished African-American historian John Hope Franklin became the first ( and so far only ) native Oklahoman to receive the award . While in Tulsa to accept the award , Franklin made several appearances to speak about his childhood experiences with racial segregation as well as his father 's experiences as a lawyer in the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa race riot
Tulsa race riot
Tulsa race riot
Helmerich Award