Community Remembers Oklahoma City’s First Black Councilwoman

Oklahoma City is mourning a monumental loss after the city's first Black city councilwoman died.

Willa Johnson served for 14 years and then spent 11 years as county commissioner.

Those who worked alongside Johnson said she was a force to be reckoned with and a pillar for northeast Oklahoma City.

They described her passing as heartbreaking, but her legacy lives continues forward.

Debi Martin has worked with the city for 50 years. Martin served as Willa Johnson's assistant during her 14 years in city council.

“She so wanted to improve northeast Oklahoma City,” Martin said.

Martin said Johnson became her best friend while serving Ward 7. She said they laughed, cried and celebrated one another.

Now, she's making new memories with current Ward 7 councilwoman Nikki Nice. Like Johnson, Martin said Nice’s leadership shines through.

“Women don't get to serve, especially Black women. I'm No. 2, so I had the help of No. 1 to be No. 2,” Nice said. “That speaks volumes, and I think that's why myself -- with Ms. Debi (Martin) -- our relationship is the way that it is because we're the girls that get to hang out together.”

Nice and Martin said Johnson helped give northeast Oklahoma City a facelift. Johnson played a pivotal role in projects like the rebuild of Douglass High School and the reopening of the James E. Stewart Golf Course.

“It was really about improving quality of life, and it was about doing it in a way that we try to engage and make sure people were in touch and that it was their ideas, as well,” Martin said.

Johnson is also the backbone behind many projects still to come. Nice said it was important for her to continue Johnson's fight to open a grocery store and recreation center on the city’s northeast side.

“For her to just be of service and still give her voice, I'm forever grateful for that,” Nice said.

“She touched lives, so touching lives is something that's a legacy,” Martin said. “It's not always the physical building that is important. It's about, ‘How did you impact someone?’ and that's how I see her.”