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OKLAHOMA CITY — For Black Oklahomans, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s latest State of the State address signaled more of the same: economic policies that prioritize tax cuts over investment in underserved communities and a continued dismissal of diversity and inclusion efforts.
As the governor touted Oklahoma’s business-friendly rankings and fiscal discipline, he failed to acknowledge the persistent racial wealth gap, disparities in education, and the need for meaningful criminal justice reform—issues that directly impact Black communities across the state.
Economic Growth – But for Whom?
Governor Stitt proudly declared Oklahoma a “Top 10 state for business,” citing rankings in GDP growth and business costs. However, the question remains: Are Black-owned businesses benefiting from this growth?
Despite these rankings and philanthropic endeavors in places like Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Black business owners continue to face systemic barriers in securing capital, state contracts, and access to economic incentives.
The governor’s speech focused on cutting corporate taxes and shrinking government, but it lacked any mention of targeted support for minority-owned businesses. Historically, Black entrepreneurial hubs in Oklahoma, particularly in Tulsa—the home of Black Wall Street—have struggled to receive the same level of investment and policy consideration as their White counterparts.
Additionally, Stitt’s push to eliminate state income taxes may disproportionately affect Black Oklahomans.Lawmakers frame tax cuts as beneficial for everyone, but they hurt lower-income communities. Many Black Oklahomans rely on public funding for schools, healthcare, and community programs. With less tax revenue, there’s a real concern that critical services may suffer.
Ignoring Everyday Struggles: Rep. Stewart Calls Out Gov. Stitt’s Oversight
“At no point did Governor Stitt talk about what our everyday families are dealing with. He brushed over the struggles families face—paying rent, bills, buying groceries, transportation—all the concerns you hear when you knock on doors and talk to constituents,” Oklahoma State House Representative for District 73 Ronald Stewart told The Black Wall Street Times.
“They’re talking about wanting a safe place for their kids to go to school and receive a quality education, yet he didn’t refer to any of those things. These are the issues plaguing the minds of Oklahomans, especially in District 73. My district has more public school students than, I believe, any other district in this area. So when you talk about cutting taxes and stripping away DEI, the people who will be most adversely affected are the ones I represent,” Rep. Stewart said.
Education Reform – But at What Cost?
The governor’s education proposals emphasized “school choice,” including tax credits for private school tuition and the expansion of religious charter schools.Advocates market school choice initiatives as a way to empower parents. However, these programs drain resources from public schools. Many of these schools serve a large percentage of Black students, including those in Tulsa Public Schools.
Notably, districts in Oklahoma serving the most students of color receive $277, or 2.7%, less state and local revenue per student compared to districts serving the fewest students of color.
Governor Stitt’s speech made no mention of addressing racial disparities in Oklahoma’s education system, where Black students face higher suspension rates, higher rates of absenteeism, lower standardized test scores, and less access to advanced coursework.
According to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Reading Snapshot Report for Oklahoma Grade 4, there is a significant performance gap between Black and White students. In 2022, the average reading score for Black fourth-grade students in Oklahoma was 199, while White students scored an average of 229, indicating a 30-point gap. This performance gap was not significantly different from that in 1998.
Nor did he acknowledge the role of historically Black institutions or programs designed to uplift students of color being severely underfunded like Langston University.
He also called for the elimination of virtual school days, claiming that children learn best in the classroom. While this may be true for some, virtual learning has provided flexibility for students who face bullying, racial discrimination, or other challenges in traditional school settings.
Criminal Justice Reform – Progress or Empty Promises at State of State Address?
One of the few moments in Stitt’s speech that directly touched criminal justice was his acknowledgment of Oklahoma’s excessive court fines and fees, which he described as creating a “debtor’s prison.” He told the story of John Stanville, a formerly incarcerated Oklahoman who struggled with $30,000 in court costs after serving his time.
For years, criminal justice advocates—many from the Black community—have called for an end to these financial burdens, which disproportionately affect people of color. Stitt’s recognition of the issue is a step forward, but the key question is whether his administration will push for real reform that disproportionately impacts Black Oklahomans.
In recent years, Oklahoma has taken steps toward reducing mass incarceration, but the state still ranks among the worst in the nation for Black incarceration rates. While Stitt has commuted sentences for some individuals, his administration has also executed a disproportionate amount of people of color, even after the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended pardons.
The Missing Conversation on Racial Disparities in State of the State
Stitt’s speech emphasized family strength, fatherhood, and reducing foster care numbers. While these are important topics, he failed to acknowledge the systemic challenges that Black families face.
“Governor Stitt’s address was disappointing and harmful to many people who call Oklahoma home. I waited to hear real solutions but instead heard rhetoric that does not include ways to impact our lives for the better,” newly elected Oklahoma State Senator Nikki Nice of District 48 told The Black Wall Street Times.
Additionally, Stitt positioned his administration as being against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling them as “government mandates.”
“The Governor mentioned moving away from DEI, addressing anti-immigration and deportation, ‘lawlessness’ of President Biden’s administration while expressing his instructions and conversations he received at Mar-a-Lago,” Oklahoma State Senator Nikki Nice told The Black Wall Street Times. “No substantive solutions were given, and Oklahomans will continue to suffer and be at the bottom of the list for the things that matter most.”
Stitt’s rejection of DEI aligns with a national trend among conservative leaders. Since President Donald Trump took office, they have pushed back against racial equity efforts in schools, workplaces, and public institutions.
For Black Oklahomans, this anti-DEI move signals a deeper resistance to policies designed to create equitable opportunities for all.