Monroe Nichols: A Mayor for the Next Generation of Tulsans
Monroe Nichols was elected as Tulsa’s first mayor of color in a historic election. This milestone shatters racial barriers and reflects the community’s growing desire for progressive change. Nichols, a familiar face in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, has a vision that includes improving the lives of Tulsa’s youngest citizens.
Mayor-elect Nichols says his priorities for Tulsa focus on public safety, ending homelessness, improving educational outcomes, expanding affordable housing and fostering cooperative relationships with Tribal Nations. These priorities, though wide-reaching, all carry a central theme: the future well-being and success of Tulsa’s youth.
Setting a Path Forward for Public Safety and Accountability
Public safety has been a cornerstone of Nichols’ campaign and will be a priority as he steps into office. Nichols’ approach is straightforward: Safety should not only address law enforcement but also target root causes like poverty, housing instability and lack of economic opportunity. Tulsa’s youth, particularly in vulnerable communities, face unique challenges and often struggle with limited options, especially during after-school hours, leading to unfortunate interactions with the juvenile system.
Nichols plans to restructure Tulsa’s Parks Department to establish more after-school programs and high-impact tutoring within safe environments, allowing Tulsa’s young people an alternative to the streets. He aims to foster neighborhoods where every child can succeed, regardless of zip code, by creating opportunities for mentorship, sports, arts and other activities. “We make it too easy to make the wrong decision,” Nichols said. His solution? Remove barriers that hinder young people from making better ones.
Ensuring Affordable Housing and Ending Homelessness
Homelessness in Tulsa has been an escalating concern, impacting not only adults but many families with children. Mayor Nichols is stepping into office with an ambitious six-year plan to end homelessness in Tulsa. His comprehensive approach emphasizes partnerships between the city, local nonprofits and affordable housing developers. However, Nichols reminds the public that affordable housing is not merely an issue of providing shelter—it’s about giving young people a stable environment where they can learn, grow and succeed.
Protecting Educational Access and Challenging Curriculum Threats
Nichols, an advocate for quality education, has voiced strong opposition to the recent proposal from State Superintendent Ryan Walters to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. Walters has pushed a state-centric model that removes federal oversight, promoting local control while enforcing “patriotism” in the classroom. Yet, Nichols remains concerned about the impact on Tulsa’s students, especially when federal funding for essential programs like after-school activities and Title I resources are at risk. These programs have been lifelines for Tulsa’s underserved communities; without federal funding for these resources, students could face significant setbacks.
Nichols argues that if Oklahoma’s administration insists on stripping federal education support, Tulsa should have the autonomy and resources to make local decisions on behalf of its students. “Give me the resource responsibility,” he stated. Nichols’ stance stresses the importance of local decision-making and accountability.
Building Stronger Partnerships with Tribal Nations
As Nichols noted, Tulsa has a rich history that connects directly to its Tribal Nations. With Tulsa on the largest Indian reservation in the United States, Nichols is committed to cultivating a spirit of respect and co-governance with Tribal Nations. This relationship strengthens community ties and sets a precedent for cooperative efforts that uplift everyone, including Tulsa’s youth, by preserving cultural heritage and educational access.
Nichols’ Community-Centric Approach to Civic Engagement
Mayor Nichols invites Tulsans to be active participants in the city’s progress. “Hold me accountable,” he says. The path forward for Tulsa requires everyone’s involvement—from local institutions to individual citizens.
His call for “joint accountability” emphasizes that while he is ultimately responsible for steering Tulsa, success depends on community buy-in. This concept extends to Tulsa’s youth as well. Children and teens need to know that the mayor cares about their future, values their voices and believes in their potential. Nichols’ leadership style is a model for Tulsa’s young people, encouraging them to contribute to their communities and know that their city’s leadership values their contributions.
Bringing the Community Together for a Better Tulsa
As Nichols prepares to step into the mayor’s office, he encourages citizens to reflect on the city’s collective responsibility. Whether voting on tax packages, supporting school bond measures, or helping develop affordable housing, Nichols reminds us that progress requires active participation. “There are going to be times when we’re all asked to stretch a little to achieve our city’s goals,” he says. He envisions a Tulsa where every citizen steps forward with a “culture of yes,” considering, “What will it take to make this happen?”
Nichols’ election is more than a historic milestone; it is a call to action. He represents the possibility of what Tulsa can become through collective commitment and courage. For the parents and families of Tulsa, Nichols promises a future where our children can grow up in a city that values safety, education and opportunity.
Nichols stands as an example that representation matters and that one’s background should be celebrated as an asset, not a limitation. Nichols’ leadership offers a vision where Tulsa’s next generation has every chance to thrive, achieve and make their own mark on history.
Dr. Tamecca Rogers serves as Director of Student Access and Success at Tulsa Technology Center. An award-winning author and filmmaker, she is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all her endeavors. Photo by Denice Toombs-Dotson with Lasting Impressions Photography.
