Happy Birthday, UTW!

Twenty years ago, the country saw the beginning of a great deal of change as the first Gulf War came to an end, Magic Johnson reminded us about the ramifications of the HIV menace, and Thelma and Louise took off on a trip of self actualization for parts unknown.

That same year, July of 1991, Tulsa was forever changed as a visionary publication called Urban Tulsa hit the streets and its slogan, "What the Whole City Is Coming To" began to take hold of the metro consciousness for the sake of live music, arts, entertainment and free thinking.

Time flies. And this month kicks off our 20th year of delivering arts, entertainment, news and commentary you just can't get anywhere else. We love parties, too. And we're not known for doing anything small. So we're celebrating all year long leading up to our 20th birthday in July 2011.

Throughout the past 20 years, Tulsa has enjoyed a great deal of change, with four mayors, rock 'n' rollicking city councilors, a sparkling new downtown arena, a downtown baseball park and a whole new, can-do attitude among local, small business owners. (See Blake Ewing's Guest Editorial, Page 9). Status quo, like the old evil empire, is breaking up, and you, readers, are making it happen.

As your essential agent provocateur, Urban Tulsa Weekly is keenly aware of our responsibilities on all fronts in keeping city dwellers up to speed on all things important to our diverse lifestyles.

We Are The Event

Throughout the next year, we'll take a look back, from time to time, on how far the city has come since we've been at the wheel; we'll recap some of our favorites throughout the years, from covers to stories to cartoons. This all leads up to our colossal 20th year anniversary edition (collectible and suitable for framing), next July which will celebrate our contributions to the Tulsa community.

Since you readers are our raison d'être, you've got first dibs on the front seat in helping us celebrate this magnificent occasion.

No matter if you've been a reader since last week or have collected every issue since Day 1, we want to hear from you. We want to know what you've enjoyed about the paper, possibly hated about it, but -- most importantly -- what Urban Tulsa Weekly means to you and the city we serve. Send all of these thoughts, comments and stories throughout the next year to editor@urbantulsa.com, and you might see your comments in the 20th Anniversary issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly. Send your photos, too, if you wish. Don't worry we'll remind you, and give you a deadline for these soon enough.

We want readers to help us commemorate this event as we glance back in the rear view from time to time, but keep our eyes on the road ahead toward the next 20 years of compelling journalism, Urban Tulsa Weekly style.