Cheronda Hutton-Ballard has lived in the same house for nearly eighteen years, but she is unaware of its rich history. Her home, originally owned by Charles and Bertha Blevins and vital to Oklahoma’s civil rights history, is now officially included on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in a neighborhood near Pine and North Peoria.
Hutton-Ballard reported to FOX23 that she felt a presence in the mansion, despite her lack of awareness of its size.
“I was down the street talking to a neighbor, and she mentioned that your house used to be a voting precinct. I look around and say, “Excuse me, which house?” She said, “Your house.” They used to vote in your basement, around 2012,” she recalled.
After contacting many locations in north Tulsa, she discovered that her property was registered under precinct number 3. This launched her campaign to have the house included to the National Register of Historic Places.
On March 14, the Oklahoma Historical Society added the house to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its role in the social and economic advancement of the Black community in north Tulsa during the mid-20th century.
Hutton-Ballard acknowledged her understanding of the significance her property held at the time, adding, “They were actually voting here in 1946, so they were really ahead of their time. They have the right to come here, be safe, and vote in polling places without being harassed or threatened. They provided them with a safe environment in which to make significant contributions to local, state, and federal history.
In her home, she has included a small bust of John F. Kennedy, the last candidate they voted for, symbolizing his role in both African-American and global history.
She says it is amazing to be able to tell the experiences of those who are no longer with us.
“I feel amazing because I feel like this is my way of paying it forward because their daughter was generous enough to allow me buy the house. I was only 29 years old, therefore I am humbled and grateful to have a house of this size. Mrs. and Mr. Blevins would be tremendously proud, and I am confident they will be,” Hutton-Ballard added.
“It takes a village to accomplish this. This is not something I can obtain on my own. “I needed other people to help me bring this history to light,” she explained.
Hutton-Ballard plans to set up voting booths, similar to home voting.
When a structure, site, or monument is listed to the National Register, it may be protected by municipal or state laws, according to officials.