Tommie Johnson III

While exploring the ideals of free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and individual initiative, our Fears Fellowship program seeks to perpetuate the memory of the late historian of liberty J. Rufus Fears. “I am proud to be the David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA),” Dr. Fears once said, “because the Browns embody all that is best in our state and in our country. They represent for me the kind of responsible citizenship upon which our Constitution was founded—and OCPA is dedicated to that responsible citizenship.”

Fears Fellows watch lectures from the inimitable Dr. Fears. They read original works from the ancient Greeks to the Federalist Papers. They study economics and leadership. We have attorneys, MBAs, Ph.D.s, and college students in the program. One thing they have in common is that their universities failed them when it comes to teaching the history and principles of freedom. “I have a political science master’s degree,” said one Fears Fellow, “and no one ever told me these things.”  

Another Fears Fellow, Tommie Johnson III, has since been elected sheriff of Oklahoma County. “I needed more knowledge to be able to strengthen my conservative values,” Johnson said. “You need to understand the founding principles, and that is what the Fears Fellowship did. We studied the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and the Federalist Papers and I thought, how do I become like that? This program was the most amazing thing I’ve ever been a part of.”

As you can see, the Fears Fellowship is already making an impact—and we’re just getting started.

Gov. Kevin Stitt addresses a class of Fears Fellows.

Tommie Johnson III

Gov. Kevin Stitt addresses a class of Fears Fellows.

While exploring the ideals of free enterprise, limited government, personal responsibility, and individual initiative, our Fears Fellowship program seeks to perpetuate the memory of the late historian of liberty J. Rufus Fears. “I am proud to be the David and Ann Brown Distinguished Fellow at the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA),” Dr. Fears once said, “because the Browns embody all that is best in our state and in our country. They represent for me the kind of responsible citizenship upon which our Constitution was founded—and OCPA is dedicated to that responsible citizenship.”

Fears Fellows watch lectures from the inimitable Dr. Fears. They read original works from the ancient Greeks to the Federalist Papers. They study economics and leadership. We have attorneys, MBAs, Ph.D.s, and college students in the program. One thing they have in common is that their universities failed them when it comes to teaching the history and principles of freedom. “I have a political science master’s degree,” said one Fears Fellow, “and no one ever told me these things.”  

Another Fears Fellow, Tommie Johnson III, has since been elected sheriff of Oklahoma County. “I needed more knowledge to be able to strengthen my conservative values,” Johnson said. “You need to understand the founding principles, and that is what the Fears Fellowship did. We studied the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and the Federalist Papers and I thought, how do I become like that? This program was the most amazing thing I’ve ever been a part of.”

As you can see, the Fears Fellowship is already making an impact—and we’re just getting started.