In the second-floor rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol, a sea of Black students and proud family members from across the state erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers filling the halls during the third annual Black History Day.
Smiles stretched wide, hands clapped in unison, and voices rose in celebration as a group of spirited second graders wrapped up their heartfelt performance. Their young voices carried the legacy of resilience, pride and history.
While Black History Day at the Capitol was a moment of celebration, it was also a statement—a direct response to ongoing legislative efforts to erase Black history and dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the state.
The Power and meaning of Black History Day at the Capitol
After students performed, state Senator Nikki Nice (D-Oklahoma City) introduced Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, who spoke about the importance of understanding and acknowledging Oklahoma’s difficult history of racial injustice.
“Black history cannot be erased,” Senator Nice declared. “Whether they want to or not, our roots are embedded in this building, on every floor.”
She encouraged students to engage in the legislative process and learn about the Black leaders who shaped Oklahoma’s past and continue to fight for its future.
For Senator Nice, Black History Day is a crucial moment for Black Oklahomans to witness and participate in government, particularly in a state where representation in the legislative branches remains limited.
“This is usually the Blackest it’s going to get in this building,” she said. “Seeing people that look like me in this space makes my soul happy.”
For many students in attendance, this was their first visit to the state Capitol—an opportunity not only to celebrate Black history but also to witness firsthand the political decisions that impact their communities.
Calling out DEI bans during Oklahoma’s Black History Day
Black History Day was also a platform for leaders to call out recent efforts to eliminate DEI programs in Oklahoma.
“There are forces who want us to pretend that history didn’t happen,” Mayor Nichols said. “We see it in the attack on DEI. And that attack doesn’t just erase our past—it threatens our future.”
In 2023, Governor Kevin Stitt signed an executive order banning Oklahoma public schools from using state funding for DEI programs. Building upon this, Senate Bill 796, introduced earlier this year, seeks to codify that prohibition into state law, effectively eliminating mandatory DEI programs in higher education.
Proponents argue that such measures promote merit-based practices. Representative J.J. Humphrey, who attended Black History Day, believes DEI policies have caused more racial division rather than inclusion.
“We should strive for equality and treat each other with respect, judging people based on the merits of their character and not the color of their skin,” Humphrey said.
However, critics argue that dismantling DEI initiatives undermines efforts to address systemic inequalities, making it harder to foster inclusive environments in education and government.
“There are only eight Black elected officials in this entire building helping to create, change, and establish laws. We need more voices in this fight,” said Senator Nice.
The continued fight for inclusion and representation
As the third annual Black History Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol came to a close, the echoes of applause, passionate speeches, and calls to action lingered in the halls of government. While the event was a vibrant celebration of Black history and achievement, it also served as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle to protect DEI and ensure Black voices are represented in policymaking.
For many in attendance—especially the young students witnessing government in action for the first time—the event was more than a history lesson. It was a rallying cry for civic engagement and advocacy.
With DEI programs under attack, leaders like Senator Nice and Mayor Nichols stressed the importance of showing up, speaking out, and demanding representation in decision-making spaces.
“We are alive, we are here, and we are not going anywhere,” Nice declared.
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