Hicks Epton

Although Hicks Epton was born in Arkansas, he earned the title of an Oklahoman due to his dedication to the state's legal system and its citizens during his life-long career as an attorney. After earning degrees from Southeastern State College in 1921 and the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1932, Epton permanently settled in Wewoka and began defining his career of public service through improving the justice system and advocating for engaged and educated citizens. In 1965 Epton was selected by Chief Justice Earl Warren to serve on a nationwide committee consisting of fifteen members to create uniform standards regarding admissible evidence and witnesses competency in civil and criminal trial courts.

Epton's legacy is most associated with revolutionizing Law Day, originally created in 1949 for the purpose of celebrating the legal profession. In 1951 Epton extended the definition by implementing "Know Your Liberties - Know Your Courts Week," a week dedicated to creating opportunities for citizens to get informed about their constitutional rights. This shift in perspective earned national attention, and illustrated his passion to encourage active citizenship.

Drawing on his famed debate and orator skills from his time at OU, Epton also gave many speeches and lectures throughout Oklahoma, emphasizing the value in being an active constituent and how that can be achieved. For example, as a guest speaker at the Wewoka branch of the American Association of University Women, he stressed the importance of having as many informed citizens as possible to accomplish a balance of values. Epton believed that "our systems were as good as we deserved until we cared enough to do something about it."