Abraham Locust Jr is a Cherokee citizen of the Evening Shade Community just located about seven miles north of Vian, OK. in Sequoyah County. He does Native American beadwork, turtle shell shackles and turtle shell rattles. Abraham can also can make corn-husk dolls, double wall Cherokee baskets & Cherokee cornseed necklaces. Abraham can read, speak and write in Cherokee as well as knows some of Muscogee Creek, Chickasaw & Choctaw. Promoting the Cherokee culture and ways of life of all Native American tribes has always been a passion of his. He is always a Native American first and a U.S. Citizen second. Abraham’s dad was Cherokee and Muscogee Creek and his mother was half Chickasaw & half Choctaw, He has won numerous awards through his art at different art shows since he started competing about 14 years ago. He has Turtle shell Shackles at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Catoosa, OK. & at the Cherokee Hotel and Casino in Siloam Springs, OK on display. A few of his awards are a-Best of Show Award at the Cherokee National Holiday Cultural Crafts Fair for an OU Beaded Walking Cane, an Honorable Mention at the 12th Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show at the Cherokee Heritage Center for a Uktena Beaded Walking Cane, & a Judge’s Choice Award at the 2nd Annual Cherokee National Holiday Art Show, for Turtle Shell Shackles among others. Abraham said he gives all glory to God and thanks him for everything he has given to him. He dedicates all his work to his late Mother; Leah Jane Locust. Abraham said she was my inspiration and she was my biggest promoter whom I miss dearly.