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Why I'm Running
Tulsa has a strength that has been ignored for far too long- our diversity. Tulsa’s city leaders have started to recognize this, yet very few seem to know how to bring the best out of us. When we create space for diversity, we unlock unlimited possibilities for the growth and well-being of our city, our economy, and our cultures. But, the places that can contribute the most to this success are the very communities that feel their experience and culture are not wanted. I want to be a bridge builder - someone who we can count on to create space and allow our communities to be heard and to share their vision for Tulsa.
District 6 is vital to creating new opportunities for our city. As one of our most diverse districts, it needs to be known as more than just the moniker “Tulsa Global District.” It needs to embody that name and create opportunity for the people who live here. We should give a voice to the groups that feel they don't matter, we should demand new businesses, parks, and ideas. I want District 6 to be a place where cultures are respected and welcome, and where citizens are allowed and encouraged to find their version of the American Dream. This is the District 6 I want to help build. Together, we can build a true global district and show Tulsa for what it is, one of the most unique cities in the nation. This is why I’m running to represent us on the Tulsa City Council.
My Story
Hello, I’m Uriah Davis, a native Tulsan. My upbringing was shaped by my mother and our religious community in impoverished North Tulsa. From an early age, I was encouraged to strive for a better future, both for myself and for my community. Thankfully, that encouragement bore fruit. Despite frequent moves with my family, we eventually settled in Broken Arrow.
It was during my time in Broken Arrow that I discovered my unwavering passion for music. I worked diligently to join a concert band, and whether I was performing, entertaining, or helping others, these experiences reinforced in me the value of community. After earning my High School Diploma, I embarked on my college journey.
However, college proved more challenging than I had anticipated. Just two years into my studies at TCC (Tulsa Community College), I faced failing grades and personal issues that forced me to drop out. Suddenly, I found myself homeless and jobless due to the 2008 Recession. But adversity only fueled my determination. I rebuilt my life from scratch and decided to give college another shot.
My curiosity about why everyday people weren’t more engaged in politics led me to explore the paralegal field. Yet, I realized that understanding people—rather than just focusing on laws—held the key to solving societal problems. With renewed purpose, I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree at Oklahoma State through TCC.
During this period, my fascination with other cultures grew. I dabbled in learning various languages, with mixed results. Eventually, I scraped together enough for a short study-abroad trip to Japan and South Korea. That experience opened my eyes to the world beyond my familiar surroundings. It left me hungry for more, prompting another journey—a deliberate exploration of places far removed from anime and manhwas. Continuing my journey, these trips had a profound impact. The Tokyo, OK convention, which I had volunteered for, experienced a surge in attendance. People were increasingly curious about other cultures, and this series of events fueled my desire to comprehend the dynamics of the global stage involving international powers.
Driven by this desire, I embarked on a half-year study abroad program in Helsinki, Finland. While overseas, I wasted no time immersing myself in diverse cultures. My travels took me to places like Estonia, Denmark, Poland, and Germany, among others. Each encounter enriched my understanding of the world.
Upon returning from Finland, my curiosity about global interactions led me back to Oklahoma State University. There, I pursued a Master’s in Global Studies with a specialization in international diplomacy. This third college endeavor presented its own set of challenges. Balancing academics and work proved unattainable, so I took on a role as an apartment assistant for international students and families at OSU.
COVID-19 swept across the USA, and as an essential worker, my responsibilities expanded. I checked on the well-being of families and students, made food runs from local banks to support needy families within our international community, and assisted with various emergencies arising from the pandemic. The international team I worked with faced these challenges head-on, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Unfortunately, graduating during the pandemic meant that networking opportunities—crucial for securing prominent job placements—had dried up globally. I returned to my hometown of Tulsa and joined a company that would later become Chase Travel. Since coming Back to Tulsa, I have observed that the city still lacks an inviting environment for other communities. This misstep is an opportunity to transform diversity into one of Tulsa’s greatest assets.