McMahon Auditorium Authority receives grant for NEA Big Read Poetry Initiative

The McMahon Auditorium Authority has received a $5,000 grant from Oklahoma Humanities to assist with funding for the NEA Big Read Poetry Initiative.

The grant makes it possible to fund a month-long series of events based on the chosen book, “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude” by Ross Gay. The $5,000 grant from Oklahoma Humanities will help bring the author, Ross Gay, to Lawton Oct. 17, officials said.

“The grant provided to the McMahon Auditorium Authority for an author sponsorship is greatly appreciated. The opportunity to hear and to communicate directly with the author will expand citizens’ knowledge and understanding,” said scholar Judy Neale.

McMahon Auditorium Authority also has received a grant to fund Let’s Talk About It, a themed five-series monthly book discussion led by various scholars July through November 2023.

The mission of McMahon Auditorium Authority is to further the vision of Mrs. Louise D. McMahon to advocate the advancement of the arts and other educational and cultural endeavors. The authority’s purpose is to advise the Lawton City Council, the city administration and the citizens of Lawton on the operations of the McMahon Memorial Auditorium and on cultural programming and events for the Lawton-Fort Sill community.