United Voices, United Votes in OKC: A night united in bringing Oklahoma City’s diverse communities together for civic engagement
OKLAHOMA CITY — The message behind the evening is simple: We may come from different backgrounds, but we share one city, one community and one future. When our communities participate together, Oklahoma City becomes stronger.
Oklahoma City’s minority chambers and community partners are coming together for United Voices, United Votes, a nonpartisan civic engagement event designed to connect residents with candidates, encourage informed participation and strengthen relationships among the diverse communities that call the Oklahoma City metro home.
The event will take place Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Innovation Hall, located at 316 NE 9th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.
United Voices, United Votes brings together the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma – OKC Chapter, the Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Community Development Agency (LCDA), and community partners around a shared commitment to civic participation and community engagement.
The event will provide an inclusive, nonpartisan environment where residents can meet candidates, ask questions, learn about issues affecting their communities, access voter information and build relationships across Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City’s Diversity Is Its Strength: The Oklahoma City metropolitan area is home to more than 1.5 million people and is becoming increasingly diverse.
U.S. Census Bureau data demonstrate the significant presence of Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian and Alaska Native, multiracial and other communities throughout the Oklahoma City region.
Because the Census Bureau treats Hispanic or Latino origin separately from race, racial and ethnic population categories can overlap and should not simply be added together to calculate a single “minority population” number.
The data clearly show that diverse communities represent a substantial and growing part of Oklahoma City’s population, workforce, businesses, culture and future.
Oklahoma City itself illustrates that diversity particularly well. According to U.S. Census Bureau 2020–2024 data, 50.1% of Oklahoma City residents identify as White alone and not Hispanic or Latino. Census data also report that 22.1% of Oklahoma City residents are Hispanic or Latino, 13.4% are Black or African American alone, 4.6% are Asian alone, 3.2% are American Indian or Alaska Native alone, and 16.8% identify with two or more races.
Those categories should not be added together because some overlap, but collectively they demonstrate the remarkable diversity of Oklahoma City.
That diversity is at the heart of United Voices, United Votes.
Community Leaders On The Importance of United Voices, United Votes: Debbie Lindsey, President of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma – OKC Chapter, said, “The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma OKC Chapter is proud to stand alongside the OKC Minority Chambers in presenting United Voices, United Votes.
“This event represents the strength of collaboration—bringing our communities together to engage, connect, and build relationships. When we work together, our collective voices help create a stronger, more inclusive future for Oklahoma City.”
Salvador Ontiveros, President & CEO of the Latino Community Development Agency, said, “LCDA is proud to be part of the Greater OKC Minority Chambers and Partners and to participate in United Voices, United Votes on October 1.
“As a nonpartisan nonprofit, our role is to help create opportunities for people to connect, ask questions, learn about the issues, and become more engaged in the civic process. We’re grateful to be part of this collaboration and to help strengthen civic participation in Oklahoma City.”
Dr. Carlos M. Robinson, President & CEO of Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce, said, “At the Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce, we believe that informed, engaged communities create stronger economies and stronger futures. United Voices, United Votes is about more than an election. It’s about bringing people together to listen, learn, build relationships, and ensure every voice has an opportunity to be heard.
We are proud to partner with our fellow minority chambers to foster civic engagement, encourage meaningful dialogue, and empower our communities to shape the future of Oklahoma together.”
Farooq Altaf, Chair of the Greater Oklahoma City Asian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Diversity makes Oklahoma City unique. It brings different cultures, traditions, experiences and perspectives to our community. But what we all have in common is that we work hard for our communities and for our city.
“We all want to contribute to building a better future for empowering our community to lead, build, and thrive while contributing to a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future for all American families, businesses, and generations to come.”
Different Communities. One Shared Future: United Voices, United Votes is built around a simple principle: our differences do not have to divide us. They can make our community stronger.
United Voices, United Votes seeks to create a space where those communities can come together—not around a political party or candidate, but around civic participation and a shared investment in Oklahoma City’s future.
The event is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse any political party or candidate.
Attendees will have opportunities to:
- Meet and connect with candidates seeking public office
- Ask questions and learn about issues affecting their communities
- Access voter registration and voter education resources
- Meet business and community leaders
- Connect across Oklahoma City’s diverse communities
- Encourage greater civic participation
- Build relationships that continue beyond Election Day
The event comes just weeks before the November 3, 2026 General Election, giving residents a chance to become more informed and engaged before Election Day.
Young professionals, business owners, families, students, first-time voters, longtime voters, community leaders and residents from throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area are encouraged to attend.
Event Details:
WHAT: United Voices, United Votes
WHEN: Thursday, October 1, 2026 | 6 –8 p.m.
WHERE: Innovation Hall (316 NE 9th Street, OKC, OK 73104)
PURPOSE: A nonpartisan evening of civic engagement, candidate interaction, voter education, voter registration and community connection.
Register to Attend: United Voices, United Votes — Event Registration:
https://forms.gle/SpC5X4Y4sa6HrhEs7
The Gayly online. 9/21/26 @ 1:37 p.m. CST.