Martha Vaughan Fundraiser

One of Our Own Needs Our Help Right Now

Martha Vaughan has been a trailblazer in the media for three decades. A radio icon, she worked in Tulsa for 30 years, spending the last 15 years as the first Black female radio station general manager at KJMM 105.3 and KGTO 99.1, part of the Perry Publishing & Broadcasting empire. She continued on while she was there to become vice president.
Martha led a diverse career that expanded from KMOD 97.5 and KHTT as a leading sales representative at both those stations.

Time To Help Martha

Now, Martha needs a double lung transplant.

Her family started a GoFundMe page to offset costs that aren’t covered by insurance and Medicare.

For those who know Martha, to a person, they will say that she would always help you in whatever way she could. She was often aiding individuals, groups and organizations reach out to the community. There are journalists and media people both locally and across the country that she played a major role in mentoring and providing a shoulder to lean on in a difficult career.

Now it’s time to return the favor.

Fundraisers Scheduled

The National Association of Black Journalists-Tulsa, which Martha helped start as the Tulsa Association of Black Journalists (TABJ) in 1995, is assisting in the fundraising as well. So, NABJ-Tulsa will host booths at three upcoming events in Tulsa where you can make donations in person: Black Wall Street Rally, May 12-13; Black Wall Street Legacy Fest, May 27-28; and Juneteenth, June 16-17.

All three events will be in the Historic Greenwood District with the booths along North Greenwood Ave.

Kim Jackson, former KTUL, Ch.8 news anchor and reporter, was the first recipient of a college journalism scholarship from TABJ. “Martha Vaughn, has been like a big sister, mother and friend, guiding me for many years, as I went from a student at the University of Tulsa, to a full-time reporter, working at OETA, KJRH, and eventually spending 20 years at KTUL. I have watched Martha show unfailing support for our community and making important events happen, for the progress of our community. Without a doubt, Martha has been a force to support many local journalists, just like me,” Jackson said.

NABJ-Tulsa member, Mia Fleming, through her media company, produces and hosts weekly segments for KOTV, News on 6. As a former news anchor, reporter and community affairs show host, years ago Mia had Martha as a guest on her show often sharing about various programs supporting the community. Fleming said, “Martha has always had an undeniable charisma and such a passion for helping others. For years Martha spread the word about what’s affecting the community all while being a pioneer for change in many ways. Whether it was getting people to vote, championing for children, or awarding change-makers in the community, she was essential in making a difference in the lives of others.”  

Martha Vaughan's family asks for your help. Any donation would be appreciated. A website for all things Martha has been set up at www.marthasjourneytonewlungs.com . It includes four ways togive: GoFundMe, CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal.