055: Jose Vega—overcoming prejudice with kindness
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Jose Vega is the youngest Program Director for Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa, OK. After coming out as a teenager, Jose was rejected by his parents and survived by the kindness of friends who sheltered him while he completed high school and went on to college.
In this episode of The Spirit of Leading podcast, Jose tells his story of the difficulties of living as a gay man and the son of undocumented immigrants, although a natural born U.S. citizen himself. Jose was the victim of a hate crime in 2016.
Jose is a leader in advocating for social justice and equality. He seeks to amplify the voices of marginalized communities by using his own platform as a community leader. Jose was recognized in the 2016 NextGen Under 30 class, and received the Tulsa Young Professionals Boomtown Inclusive Leader award in 2017.
Related links
Section of E. 4th Street renamed Pride Street. See Tulsa World article.
Grit and Hard Work Prevail. See Business Equity Netork article about Jose.
Jose recognized in the 2016 class of NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma
Jose (second from right) celebrates the renaming and dedication of E 4th Street in front of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center as Pride Street. Mayor G.T. Bynum cuts the ribbon while OkEq executive director Toby Jenkins looks on.
Jose joins SOL host Garland McWatters to record at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.