Northeast OKC 2024: Resources and Updates
On January 23, 2024, Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice hosted an engaging town hall at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Family Life Center. The event brought together a diverse array of residents, community organizers, and business owners, all eager to participate in discussions about various initiatives and developments shaping their community.
Attendees were treated to comprehensive presentations covering the topics below.
The Future of NorthEast OKC
If an individual were to take a drive through the Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID), they would discover opportunities at every corner. However, if one were to venture beyond the district's confines, heading deeper into Northeast OKC, a different narrative emerges.
Beyond the borders marked by NE 10th Street and Lottie Avenue, the golf course, the highway, and the Canadian River, a community grapples with the legacy of disinvestment. This dichotomy, one of promise and challenge, is emblematic of a district with a rich, often overlooked, historical heritage.
Today, Northeast OKC is in the midst of transformative developments that aim to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Through the Maps 4 initiative, significant budgets have been allocated for key projects, including OKCID’s Innovation Hall, the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center, the beautification of NEOKC for increased accessibility, and the revitalization of bike lanes and sidewalks in the district.
These initiatives reflect a commitment to physical infrastructure and a dedication to preserving the rich cultural and historical fabric of the community.
OKCID Initiatives
Innovation Hall
Slated to open its doors in early 2025, Innovation Hall is poised to become a hub for collaboration, learning, and connection. With spacious conference rooms available for rent, it caters to a diverse range of events, from corporate meetings to creative workshops.
Henrietta B. Foster Center
In collaboration with the Northeast OKC Renaissance, the Henrietta B Foster Center will serve as a cornerstone for minority entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and sustainability within the community. This business incubator aims to provide vital support and resources to minority-owned businesses, empowering them to thrive in the local economy.
Housing and Amenities
Partnering with Maps 4 Parks, initiatives are in motion to elevate public spaces such as Creston Park and the Vita Nova Housing Authority, aiming to address homelessness and create vibrant community hubs. Metro Tech and the Small Business Development Centers of Oklahoma are instrumental partners, providing valuable education, training, and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northeast OKC. Together, these collaborative efforts are driving positive change and revitalization in the area.
Simultaneously, the NEOKC Now Home Buyer Project, funded by the Arnall Foundation and led by NEOKC Renaissance’s PlaceKeepers program, empowers aspiring homeowners in a city where 60-70% of residents are renters.
Booker T. Washington Park
In July 2023, Booker T. Washington Park in Northeast Oklahoma City underwent significant revitalization efforts as part of the MAPS 4 Parks project. The City of Oklahoma City, in collaboration with residents and stakeholders, has been actively engaged in developing improvements to this historic community space. With dedicated funding of $5 million, the park has seen renovations aimed at enhancing its amenities and preserving its cultural heritage.
Northeast OKC Community Initiatives
Bikewalkokc
The Bikewalkokc, led by Transportation Planner Justin Henry, promises safer and more accessible avenues, with key milestones such as the Deep Fork Trail, Lottie 23rd-4th bike lanes, and developments in the Paseo and Arts District. These projects not only promote placemaking but also underscore the importance of ADA access and bike education.
Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City
The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, established in 1946, is dedicated to advancing social and economic equality for impoverished citizens. Led by Shani Nealy, the organization offers comprehensive programs to address various needs within the community.
Their Education and Family Development Program focuses on providing supplemental education and supportive services to students in high-poverty, low-performing schools.
The Workforce and Career Development initiative aims to increase employability opportunities for unemployed and underemployed individuals, with a focus on African American and minority families living in poverty. This program offers work readiness training, industry-recognized certifications, and connections with employers, including specialized initiatives like the After Prison Work Initiative and the Young Adult Reentry Program.
The Housing and Financial Literacy program provides affordable housing options and prepares families for homeownership through workshops. The Community Convening & Social Justice department is committed to fighting for social justice and addressing racial inequalities, focusing on areas such as Voter Education, Criminal Justice Reform, and Inclusive Economic Development.
Foundation For Liberating Minds
Tevin McDaniel, Co-Founder of the Foundation for Liberating Minds, is creating safe spaces for Eastsiders, embarking on year-long projects to empower the residents of Northeast OKC.
Live Free OKC
LiveFree OKC is a community-driven initiative focused on implementing proven strategies to reduce violence in Northeast OKC. At its core, LiveFree identifies and intervenes with individuals and groups at high risk of violence, recognizing that a small number of individuals often account for the majority of gun-related incidents.
By employing credible messengers and constructive call-ins, LiveFree offers support and resources aimed at addressing underlying issues such as mental health, employment, and community inclusion. Through comprehensive case management, including access to life coaches and various support services, LiveFree aims to empower individuals to lead successful and violence-free lives, fostering lasting positive change within the community.
Health and Wellness
Health and wellness initiatives in Northeast OKC are thriving with the opening of the Senior Wellness Center by Community Health Systems Inc., spearheaded by CEO Isabella Lawson. The Live Free OKC program, headed by Executive Director Jabee Williams, addresses community violence intervention, offering resources for comprehensive problem-solving.
The Willa Johnson Center, replacing Douglass Rec, is a multi-generational hub with a family focus, situated strategically next to Douglass High School.
The Sooner Select initiative, under CEO Sonya Hughes, extends healthcare access for Medicaid recipients, positively impacting the community's overall well-being. Starting from February 1, 2024, SoonerCare members will have their dental services covered through a dental plan, while the rest of their healthcare needs will transition to health plans on April 1, 2024.
Members will have the option to choose between three health plans: Aetna Better Health of Oklahoma, Humana Healthy Horizons of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Complete Health, as well as between two dental plans: DentaQuest or LIBERTY Dental.
Health and dental plans offer services through a network of providers, including primary care providers and primary care dentists, with emphasis on coordinating care and referrals to specialists when needed. Additionally, there is a Children’s Specialty Program catering to children in the juvenile justice system, foster care, and those receiving adoption assistance, which will be served by Oklahoma Complete Health.
Members will receive instructions via mail and email in the fall on how to select their preferred plans for themselves and their families.
Prevention & Harm Reduction
Atonbara Sowemimo from the Oklahoma State Department of Health manages their Programs for Prevention & Harm Reduction. These programs offer a range of support, including vaccinations, infectious disease testing, referrals to treatment for substance use disorder and other health conditions, and access to sterile injection equipment.
Despite some controversy, harm reduction initiatives are backed by over 30 years of research demonstrating their effectiveness in saving lives and protecting public health. Central to the philosophy of harm reduction is treating individuals with compassion and without judgment, acknowledging any positive steps they take towards healthier behaviors while meeting them where they are in their journey.
Councilwoman Nikki Nice presented updates to the community on key initiatives, including the Safe Haven Box at MLK Fire Station, and a Narcan Vending Machine at the Ralph Waldo Ellison Library.
As Northeast OKC continues to flourish, the community stands united in its pursuit of progress, empowerment, and lasting positive change. These initiatives and resources represent a collective commitment to bringing change to the residents of Northeast OKC.