Monroe Nichols Makes History as Tulsa’s First Black Mayor in Landmark Election

Mayoral Elect Monroe Nichols with incumbent Mayor G. T. Bynym

Thank you, Tulsa. While the results of this election didn’t go as we hoped, I am incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken together. From day one, our campaign was about bringing people together, listening to your concerns, and focusing on solutions for our city’s future.

by pacetulsa

Nichols Defeats Karen Kieth in Tulsa Oklahoma’s Mayoral Election Run Off

Aug. 27, 2024 – The race for Tulsa mayor won’t be decided until November.

In an unusually tight race among three candidates, neither Monroe Nichols, 40, a state legislator, nor Karen Keith, 70, a county commissioner and former local news anchor, were able to collect the required 50% of the vote for an outright victory and will face each other in a runoff Nov. 5.

(Updated) November 9, 2024 – Tulsa citizens have made history by electing Monroe Nichols as the first Black mayor of the city. In his remarks following the election, Nichols expressed gratitude for the constituents’ willingness to embrace boldness and visionary leadership, stating, “I believe Tulsans have committed to being bold and visionary and, frankly, accountable for the future.” He underscored the importance of transitioning from celebration to action.

Leaders in the Greenwood community articulated their expectations for a candidate who would respect and acknowledge Tulsa’s intricate history while steering the city toward a progressive future. A watch party at the Greenwood Cultural Center was marked by high spirits, as supporters gathered to celebrate Nichols’ victory.

A fellow Democratic lawmaker, Sen. Kevin Matthews, said Wednesday that Nichols’ victory “one of the most historic and significant things that I’ve seen in my lifetime in Tulsa,” where only 15% of the population is Black.

Tiffany Crutcher, representative of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, remarked on the palpable energy during the event, stating, “The enthusiasm we experienced was indicative of the fact that every individual possesses a voice.”

Dr. Crutcher emphasized the integral role of community engagement in Nichols’ campaign, asserting, “We brought the people’s issues to the ballot.”

She highlighted the election of Tulsa’s first Black mayor as a landmark event, especially given the city’s troubled racial history, stating, “They constructed something beautiful, which was ultimately diminished by hatred, racism, and bigotry. One hundred three years later, electing the first Black mayor of Tulsa on this significant ground serves as a source of pride and joy for our predecessors.”

Kuma Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Black Wall Street Chamber, expressed her perspective on the election as a resurgence of resilience and economic opportunity. She stated, “I perceive this as a revival of an extraordinary legacy of resilience and a return to the economic prosperity we experienced a century ago.”

Roberts articulated her optimism regarding Nichols’ potential to support local businesses, stating, “It is a significant development for our business community to see an individual in city hall who reflects our demographic and is committed to fostering the growth of Black and Brown enterprises within this community.”

Nichols is scheduled to meet with Mayor G.T. Bynum on Thursday, followed by a joint news conference. He has indicated that addressing homelessness will be his initial priority in office.