The program is designed to educate people about the importance of all American contributions to history including those made by black Americans, which are often forgotten.

This year's program will spotlight notable black people through history through Nicodemus Annie's History Month. Angela Bates, a direct descendent of the first all-black town of Nicodemus, Kan., with appear with her trunk full of historical artifacts and events.

Inside her trunk, Bates will have historic photos, homestead land papers, a Nicodemus Town Co. certificate, a Bible, a Nicodemus town promotional poster, a historic quilt, a hat box, town music, Nicodemus books, a Buffalo Soldier cup, hat cord and flag.

It also holds songs used on Underground Rail Road, an iron, washboard, apron, whip, an excerpt from "Wagon Wheels" and "Adventures of Nicodemus Annie," a children's book by Bates.

The theme for this year's program is "Past, Present, Future."

"We want our children to learn from the past, in order to help them succeed in the future. That's what Carter G. Woodson was about when he started Negro history week in 1926, which corresponded with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. That's what we are about in 2010 — building on the past, for our future," said Vincent Anderson, president of B.E.N. ConocoPhillips Ponca City.

"We are happy that we can offer the community a program that will be new and refreshing, something different. We think Nicodemus Annie will capture the attention of everyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. This character-based program will be fun, also. We invite everyone to come out to the program, learn and celebrate with us," said Dwain West, chairman of the Attucks Community Alliance.

The program on Sunday is free and open to the public. A reception for Bates will follow the program.