Black History Month, Public Service, and Fighting for Community (with Nikki Nice)

The Ellens* visit with State Senator and former Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice about how she moved from radio and civic engagement into elected office, including her work as a DNC delegate in 2016 and her decisive 2018 city council victory. She explains why she ran for the Senate to overcome state preemptions that limit local solutions, and compares city council’s public-hearing-driven process to the state legislature’s lack of routine public comment, noting how that separation affects policy. Nice reflects on challenges she faced in public service, highlights key wins like reinstating the Human Rights Commission, preserving Black cultural landmarks, and improving healthy food access in 73111, and discusses learning the fast pace and breadth of state issues. The conversation closes with Black History Month reflections, plus personal stories of mentorship and advocacy.