Oklahoma Senate unanimously adopts resolution honoring Russell M. Perry

The Oklahoma State Senate adopted Senate Resolution 13 on April 7, 2025, unanimously recognizing Russell M. Perry for his contributions to journalism, broadcasting, business and public service, the chamber announced after a roll call vote of 45 ayes and 0 nays.

The resolution, sponsored by Senator Shane Jett, commemorates Perry’s career as the founder of the Black Chronicle and Perry Publishing and Broadcasting and notes his service as acting Oklahoma secretary of commerce in 1999. The measure said Perry was “the first African American in the state's history to serve in this prestigious position.”

Senator Shane Jett moved the resolution to the calendar and urged colleagues to adopt it, telling the chamber: “Today's resolution is to acknowledge and commemorate the tremendous life and contribution of Secretary Russell Perry.” Governor Frank Keating, who addressed the Senate during remarks supporting the measure, said Perry was an “event-making” figure and described nominating him to serve in the Keating administration.

Senator Bill Coleman, who identified himself as a co-author and longtime family friend, said he had not known Perry had served as acting secretary and thanked colleagues for the vote: “I always assumed he was the secretary of commerce. I had no idea he was the acting secretary of commerce,” Coleman said.

Russell M. Perry addressed the Senate after the resolution passed, thanking senators and reflecting on his career and the challenges he faced, including personal hardships recounted in the resolution’s text. Senator Jett announced a reception to follow the session for members and guests to greet Perry.

The resolution text read to the chamber cites Perry’s founding of the Black Chronicle in 1979, his ownership of Perry Publishing and Broadcasting and service on multiple state finance and development authorities. The reading also listed honors including inductions into industry halls of fame, and noted Governor Frank Keating’s 1999 nomination of Perry to serve as secretary of commerce.

The roll call followed a request that the clerk open the roll; after the vote was closed, the clerk announced the vote tally and the president declared the resolution passed. A reception for guests and family followed the floor action.

The resolution is honorary and does not create statutory obligations or change Perry’s prior titles; the Senate record shows the resolution passed by voice and roll call as recorded on April 7, 2025.