10. The Story of the OKC Terror Attack: From Heartbreak to Hope - with Kari Watkins

PhilanthropyCrisis Management

Sep 10

Written By Julie Confer

Kari Watkins The Story of the OKC National Memorial & Museum

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Overview

Meet Kari Watkins. The 28 year old was heading out the door to an MBA class when the unthinkable happened miles from her house. A bombing had been reported in downtown OKC. The day was April 19, 1995. And from that point on, Kari would find herself on a 25 year journey to building one of the world's most beautiful memorials and embracing creativity and authenticity to teach the next generation about the effects of terrorism. She talks marathon fundraising, a Conscience Committee (jaw-droppingly brilliant idea) and gives us a little insight to her buddy, President Bill Clinton.

“The memorial sits here today as a symbol of resilience and strength.”

— Kari Watkins, Executive Director, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

The story of the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995
Shepherding a 350 person task force - moving from heartbreak to hope
How they utilized a “Conscience Committee” to protect those who lost the most that day
Maintaining a standard of excellence
Storytelling: meet everyone where they are
Creation of the Oklahoma City Marathon: A Run to Remember
How they are pivoting to move to a virtual race this fall due to COVID-19
Always find common ground and bring people together: collaboration is key

Powerful Quotes:

“We watched Oklahoma City completely transform itself after the bombing.” -Kari

“25 years later, we want to make sure that story is still alive and relevant.” -Kari

“We have to meet people where they are and make sure they can consume the story at whatever level they are willing to learn it.” -Kari

“Philanthropy is a conduit to healing and hope.” -Jon

“Those who lost their lives on that day, they deserve the very best we have to give as a community.” -Kari

“Oklahoma City set a standard in 1995.” -Kari

“When you go through grief, everyone is going to handle it differently, and that is ok. We have to give grace and respect people wherever they are.” -Kari

“You feel like you are carrying the torch on behalf of these lives who were tragically cut short.” -Jon

“You get to run to remember, you get to give back, it is something bigger than ourselves.” -Kari

“One of our most important goals is to find common ground. Meet someone in the middle of the street, don’t wait for them to come to your side of the sidewalk.” -Kari

“It shouldn’t take a tragedy or a crisis for us to be kind.” -Kari

“This place is built by a lot of volunteers, incredible staff, and people who are willing to share their stories. Without them this place would be nothing.” -Kari

History of the Oklahoma City Bombing