NBA Star Etan Thomas Returns To Tulsa For Fatherhood Festival

A festival celebrating fatherhood will take place this weekend in north Tulsa. Etan Thomas, NBA star and author, will speak in a panel discussion on Saturday.

Thomas, who was raised in Tulsa, is the author of "Fatherhood: Rising to the Ultimate Challenge." The book explores fatherhood in the African American community, where 75 percent of children live in a home without a father, according to a news release.

Learn more about the Fatherhood Festival on Facebook.

The former Oklahoma City Thunder player will be on a fatherhood panel discussion from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1228 West Apache Street in Tulsa. Other guest speakers include author and economist Boyce Watkins, Langston University Athletic Director Mike Garrett, the Reverend M.C. Potter and Marvin Blades.

The Fatherhood Festival begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Local community organizations and mentoring programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Tulsa Community College and YMCA Black and Latino Achievers will be represented at booths.

Following the panel discussion, there will be book signings and photo opportunities.

The event is sponsored by the MVP Foundation of Tulsa.

Saturday, April 6

• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Fatherhood Festival
• 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Press Conference
• 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Fatherhood Panel
• 2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Book signing

Sunday, April 7

• 11 a.m. Fatherhood Worship Service

All events take place at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1228 West Apache Street in Tulsa.