What's in a logo?

Rachel Jackson of the Green Party of Oklahoma (GPOK) designed the logo (above) for her state party. The shield in the middle of the GPOK logo, surrounded by the petals of the sunflower in reference to the international Green symbol, was taken from the Oklahoma state flag, which holds much meaning in itself. The flag was designed by Louise Funk Fluke and chosen from many entries in a statewide contest held by the Daughters of the American Revolution. It was officially adopted as the second state flag in April 1925. Its rich symbolism represents many Native American tribes. The bison-hide shield is the warrior shield of the Osage (pronounced Wa-sha-she) tribe and serves as a symbol of protection and defense. The light blue field behind the shield was borrowed from the flag carried by Choctaw soldiers in the American Civil War and symbolizes loyalty in the face of adversity. The six white crosses present on the shield are actually the Native representation of stars, and they serve as symbols of the guidance provided by high aims and ideals. The eagle feathers hanging from the shield represent, almost universally among Native tribes, the strength of the Great Spirit or closeness to God, which is synonymous with clarity of vision. The five feathers along the bottom of the shield represent the five "civilized" (federally recognized) tribes who had been assigned lands in Indian Territory prior to statehood. Most significant are the crossing of the ceremonial peace pipe and the olive branch in the foreground of the flag. These are symbols of peace in their respective cultures of Native Americans and European Americans. Together they symbolize unity between the two cultures. 

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