OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (April 23, 2025) — Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) will host acclaimed writer and actor Roger Guenveur Smith for a free community event on Thursday, May 1.
The public is invited to this special visiting artist presentation from 9-11 a.m. in OCCC’s Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. Smith is expected to share insights from his celebrated career on stage and screen, including his powerful collaborations with visionary director Spike Lee.
“Roger Guenveur Smith’s visit offers a unique chance for the OCCC community to connect with an exceptional artist dedicated to the art of storytelling,” said Dr. Liz Largent, vice president for Academic Affairs at OCCC. “We look forward to the dialogue, perspectives, and creative spirit he will bring to our campus.”
Tickets are not needed for this free event, and registration is not required. Seating will be first-come, first-served until the theater reaches capacity. The VPAC is a 1,049-seat, state-of-the-art theater space located on the north end of the OCCC campus. Parking is free.
OCCC’s event is part of Smith’s Oklahoma City visit May 1-4, when he’ll be performing “Frederick Douglass Now” with the Oklahoma City Repertory Theater in partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary.
In this signature solo performance, inspired by the life and work of Frederick Douglass, Smith has transformed Douglass’ classic 19th century texts into an edgy, stylistic mash-up of jazz-infused narrative bookended by original writing.
About Oklahoma City Community College
Since its inception in 1972, Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has been the heartbeat of the Metro, dedicated to empowering learners and strengthening communities. Serving more than 18,000 students in credit-seeking courses and more than 5,000 students in non-credit-seeking programs, we are committed to producing leaders. “Student Success, Community Enrichment” is our mission, and we offer 87 degree and certificate programs plus more than 50 micro-credentials that provide a foundation for further education or immediate career readiness. We remain dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, high-quality education that equips students to achieve personal and professional goals. OCCC is more than an institution; we are a community catalyst, fostering growth and success in our city, our workforce, and the lives of our students. Discover your potential at OCCC, where your future is our purpose.
Media Contact:
Sarah Barrow
Executive Director of Communication
405-834-5406
sarah.barrow@occc.edu
