Presented in Partnership with
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | Doors Open 5:30pm, Show Time 6:30pm
Oklahoma History Center | 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Dress Code: Formal, Black Tie Preferred
Our Featured Frequencies
Nadia G. McGahee
Nadia Gayle McGahee, 22, was born in Lawton, Oklahoma. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management at Langston University. During the last month of her Junior year, she was hospitalized twice for a spontaneous pneumothorax (lung collapse). The first time, her right lung collapsed, resulting in a 9-day hospital stay and her first chest tube. The second time, her left lung collapsed, and she stayed in the hospital for 10 days, received chest tubes for both lungs, and underwent surgery on her right lung. After that surgery, her kidney was declared to be in failure, and she began dialysis after a catheter was placed. Since then, she has focused on healing and is getting closer to a kidney transplant every day.
Representing Childhood Cancer
Amari Whitaker
Amari Whitaker is a passionate entrepreneur, creative, actress, and advocate. A proud graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Community Public Health with a minor in Nutrition in 2016, followed by her Master’s degree in Public Administration in 2020. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated through the Iota Omicron Chapter, where she continues to embody sisterhood, scholarship, and service. With her husband, Amari is the co-owner and operator of Not Cho Cheesecake, a growing dessert brand known for its delicious flavors and community-centered presence. Diagnosed with sickle cell anemia disease at birth and later diagnosed with avascular necrosis in 2019. She underwent core decompression surgeries in 2019 and 2020, followed by a right hip replacement in 2025. Amari’s story is one of remarkable perseverance.
Representing Sickle Cell DiseaseIf you would like to simply donate, please scroll to the bottom of the ticketing options and click ‘I’d just like to donate.’ All donations are tax deductible.
Our Featured Mothers
Dr. Tarra Jones
Ishala's Mother (Learn more about Ishala at our show)Dr. Tarra Jones, originally from Florida, is a proud Army Brat who now calls Lawton home, again. She began working at KSWO-TV in 1980 and was the 2nd Black person on air. Later she reported for KFOR and KWTV in Oklahoma City and anchored at KAUZ in Wichita Falls. She has an Associate's and Bachelor of Science degree from Cameron University, a Master’s in Leadership from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, a Master’s of Theology from Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, Kentucky, and dual Doctorates in Christian Leadership and Theology from Anointed Bible College & University, Ghana. She currently works as the 6 and 10 o’clock Anchor and Executive Producer. Tarra is proud to be the 1st black evening Anchor at KSWO-TV. During her time at KSWO, she has covered general assignment stories and special reports on Lawton/Ft. Sill history and the Buffalo Soldiers, the West Texas Rehabilitation Center in Abilene, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, Opal Lee Hall, and Black Wall Street, Tulsa. She is an ordained minister and has pastored two churches; she is currently an associate minister at Abundant Life Christian Church in Lawton; she also hosts a bi-weekly online talk show SISTAH CHAT. Tarra is married to Sirrommie Jones of Wichita Falls, TX. He is an author and publisher and an Elder at the Abundant Life Christian Church, Lawton. Tarra is mom to three adult children; one daughter is at rest, 8 grandchildren call her Grammie, 1 is at rest. Tarra’s favorite quote is, “On the way to living, life happened.”
LaGayla M. McGahee was born to Azalee “Leon” and V. Gay McGahee on her mother’s birthday in 1982. She wasn’t scheduled for another 3 months, but there was something happening in the world, and she had to get out there and see what it was. Some may call it nosiness – curiosity seems more appropriate. LaGayla is a native of Lawton, OK, a graduate of Eisenhower High School – where she did a bit of everything in school: theater, competitive speech, Lincoln-Douglass Debate, student government. Outside of school, she was active in her church as Youth Church President and Drill Team Captain. She ushered, sang in choir, played classical piano, with real aspirations of making it to Carnegie Hall and the talent to back it up. She won awards all around because she’s no dolt; she was an AP student and National Merit Scholar Finalist and went on to be the very first McCabe 1 Honors Scholar at Langston University in the fall of 2000.
LaGayla holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business, with a concentration Spanish from the premiere HBCU of the state of Oklahoma. At Langston she played saxophone in the LU Marching Pride and piano for the Jazz Band. She also sang in the Concert Choir and Chorale. She held offices as a charter member of the Kappa Rho Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota Fraternity for Women and crossed Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, both in 2003. She went to Florida multiple times as a member of the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Quiz Bowl Team.
Nadia's MotherLaGayla M. McGahee
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Her graduate degree is a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Training and Curriculum Development from Touro University International (Trident). LaGayla’s diverse professional experiences include social work, copy editing, administration, as well as domestic and international travel and research. LaGayla began her civil service career in 2009 with the Department of Defense at Fort Sill, OK. As the Instructional Systems Specialist for the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy of Fort Benning, GA – a leadership schoolhouse - LaGayla provided educational insight, guidance, and program evaluation from 2012-2020. As of the winter of 2020, LaGayla and her family are enjoying the adventure of living near the Rocky Mountains and serving in the USDA Forest Service as the Instructional Systems Specialist/Training Coordinator for the Lands, Minerals, and Geology Training Office.
All of these accomplishments don’t even say who LaGayla is as a person – she loves God, she’s a church girl, for real-for real. She’s a fan of all types of music – especially Contemporary Christian and Gospel music. She has a lot of ideas and opinions, and she tries to express them creatively – in cooking and eating good food, in fashion, in her wild hair, and self-expression. She enjoys reading, writing, spelling, and word play. She is a lifelong learner and looks for opportunities to do so everywhere – at libraries, festivals, conferences, churches.
She likes to GO. And if you can keep up, she will take you along on the adventure.
LaGayla name her daughter Nadia Gayle, Nadia, which means sweetheart –a Wollof name assigned to her during a college foreign exchange trip to West Africa.
She is Wawa to her nieces and nephews.
She is a big sister – to her own siblings and some other folks.
She is a friend.
She’s out here busy raising her parents, who think they are grown.
Her first friend in the world is her grandmother, Evelyn Marie Brown Freeman, who she is glad to see and admire as the matriarch of the family.
LaGayla believes in Learning and Legacy and is doing her best to make that come to pass in the world in all that she is and does.
V. Gay Freeman McGahee is a dedicated public servant, community advocate, faith-based leader and a Licensed Missionary with deep roots in Lawton, Oklahoma. The youngest of four children and the only daughter of Evelyn Freeman and the late CSM Theodore J. Freeman (Ret.), she walks in a rich legacy of service and strength. She has been married to Rev. Leon McGahee for over 40 years, and together they have four children and five grandchildren.
Missionary McGahee has served as Office Manager for Galilee Missionary Baptist Church for more than 35 years. Beyond her role as an employee, she serves as President of the General Missionary Society and has previously served in other key leadership roles including Program Committee Chair and Matron of the Ambassadors for Christ Drill Team.
Missionary McGahee’s ministry reaches beyond her local church as she is honored to serve as Workshop Facilitator for the Ministers’ Wives & Widows Auxiliary of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America (NMBCA). She has also served as NMBCA Ministers' Wives Auxiliary Chaplain.
Nadia's GrandmotherV. Gay McGahee
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Our Featured Partners
Chef Jeremy Johnson
Chef Jeremy Johnson was born in Tulsa, OK, to Sharon and Joseph Johnson. It didn’t take him long to figure out that his favorite place was the kitchen. He started cooking eggs for himself at the age of four. His father had a big influence on him, teaching him the value of hard work and inspiring him to become a chef. His father always had multiple jobs, mostly working in the culinary industry. His mother, on the other hand, kept him out of trouble with her guidance and encouragement.
After his father passed away in 2007, his family moved to Georgia, where he started at the Art Institute of Atlanta. When he returned to Tulsa, he began his career at Oklahoma Joe's Barbeque. A few years later, he was hired by Jeff Marlow at the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. On February 2nd, 2024, he was promoted to Chief Culinary Officer (Executive Chef).
In 2016, he and his wife, Nicole, started KitchenTable Catering. They chose the name because of the reason he cooks: he wants his food to bring people together and help them create lasting memories around the meal. He has been fortunate to travel both stateside and internationally to cook and study his craft. He has had the opportunity to prepare meals for many politicians, athletes, and celebrities. But out of all these achievements, his only hope is that he can make an impact on his community, the way it made an impact on him. Tulsa raised him, and for that, he is forever grateful.
Owner, KitchenTable Catering
Chief Culinary Officer, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma
Ian Bennett
Ian Bennett is a 25 year Hospitality Veteran, Owner/Founder of The Study and a Certified Sommelier via The Court of Master Sommeliers.
The Study is a 64-tap Wine Pub that will make you like Chardonnay and Merlot.
Certified Sommelier, Owner of The Study
Dr. Mykel Green
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at
Tulane UniversityMykel D. Green, PhD, is a biomedical engineer, educator, and mentor whose career is grounded in the belief that science should not only advance knowledge, but also improve lives and create opportunities for others.
He is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tulane University, where his research brings together regenerative medicine, biomaterials, and stem cell science to address complex health challenges, particularly sickle cell disease.
A proud HBCU alumnus, Dr. Green earned his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College, and his academic and research journey has included training at the Georgia Institute of Technology, The City College of New York, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and The University of Texas at Austin. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to scientific excellence, service, and the transformative power of mentorship.
Dr. Green has been recognized nationally as a rising star and emerging leader in engineering, receiving honors and support from the National Science Foundation, MIT, and other leading institutions. Beyond his research, he is passionate about helping students recognize their potential and find a meaningful place in science and engineering. Through his teaching, mentorship, and community leadership, he works to open doors, create supportive pathways, and ensure that the next generation of innovators has the encouragement and resources needed to thrive.
His work reflects a simple but powerful vision that innovation is most meaningful when it reaches, uplifts, and improves the lives of the people and communities who need it most.
About Small Bites & Sound Bites™
Small Bites & Sound Bites™ is a unique event series that uses inspired cuisine, personal soundtracks, and in-depth interviews to offer an intimate, artfully human look at leadership and community.
Think chef’s table meets listening party meets live podcast.
Our Featured Frequency (the main guest) tells us their story through a playlist. We then have a chef curate small bites inspired by each song.
The live event features an on-stage interview where the Featured Frequency shares personal and professional milestones, family stories, and life lessons.
About The Children’s Hospital Volunteers, Inc.
The Children’s Hospital Volunteers, Inc. (TCHV) is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the hospital experience for children, families, and visitors served at Oklahoma Children’s OU Health and women’s services. For 53 years, TCHV has partnered with the hospital to provide meaningful volunteer engagement, compassionate support, and vital resources that help create a more comforting, healing, and family-centered environment.
Founded in 1973 as the Volunteer Auxiliary to Oklahoma Children’s Memorial Hospital, TCHV was established with a clear purpose: to strengthen volunteer service and mobilize community support in ways that directly improve the lives of pediatric patients and their families. Today, that mission continues through a coordinated model of care that connects volunteerism, philanthropic programs, and patient-centered programming to address both practical and emotional needs throughout the healthcare journey.
Through more than 20 volunteer placement opportunities, TCHV volunteers extend the reach of the care team by providing comfort, play, companionship, creative expression, and moments of normalcy during hospitalization. Specialized programs such as NICU Cuddlers, Patient Pals, pet therapy teams, and sewing groups, along with long-standing initiatives that provide tangible resources to patients and families, help foster connection, resilience, and hope. By bringing together dedicated volunteers and community generosity, TCHV plays a vital role in ensuring that support for children and families is consistent, impactful, and responsive to their needs.
About L. Patrice Bell, Small Bites & Sound Bites Creator & Event Host
L. Patrice Bell is an operations and strategy leader whose career spans aerospace, nonprofit, hospitality, museum, and tech startup organizations.
Leveraging this cross-sector experience, she founded L. Bell Solutions, a business management consultancy, and L. Bell Productions, an event production company. As Principal Strategist, she helps organizations and leaders transform ideas into tangible outcomes.
Patrice is a proud Oklahoman and a graduate of the Atlanta University Center Dual Degree Engineering Program. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Spelman College (Atlanta, GA) and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY).
While her educational foundation is deeply technical, her true passion lies in fostering human connection and enriching human experiences. This passion inspired her to further her education with an A.A.S. in Hospitality & Tourism Management from Highline College (Des Moines, WA).
Guided by a deep commitment to community, sustainability, and longevity, Patrice strives to leave everything she touches better than she found it. Her work is driven by the desire to create a lasting impact and pave the way for all who follow.
FAQs
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No, this is a conversation between the host and the featured guest(s). Think "live podcast meets chef’s table meets listening party".
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This is a formal event (black tie optional).
We also invite you to don shades of yellow/gold if you are supporting/representing someone with childhood cancer or red/burgundy if you are supporting/representing someone with sickle cell disease.
Yellow/Gold = Childhood Cancer Awareness
Red/Burgundy = Sickle Cell Awareness
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Yes, Small Bites & Sound Bites™: Spirit of Survival is an all-ages event. However, every attendee must be registered, regardless of age. Please note: this event is designed for an intimate, story-telling atmosphere, so we encourage parents to consider whether the experience is a good fit for their child’s age and attention span.
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Yes! We welcome aligned sponsors who believe in storytelling, community, culture, and good food. Email events@LPatriceBell.com to inquire.
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This event is a benefit, so tickets begin at $175.
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You’ll receive a curated selection of 10 tapas-style bites, thoughtfully paired with key moments in the couples’ stories.
We have wine pairing add-ons available as well.
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Proceeds from this event will be donated to:
Nadia's kidney transplant surgery
Nadia's costs to return to Langston University and finish her degree
Amari's medical bills related to hip replacement and physical therapy
Families supporting a child through a cancer or sickle cell diagnosis