Mayor Darrell Davis, Edmond’s first Black mayor, has made history by removing discriminatory language from city land records. This milestone marks a significant step for Edmond, a city once known as a “sundown town,” as it moves away from a past of racial exclusion.
In a ceremony at the Edmond Chamber of Commerce on January 17, 2025, Davis signed the first removal of a restrictive covenant under a new Oklahoma state law. The law allows municipalities to address outdated, discriminatory language in plat documents—official records that define land use and boundaries.
Highland Park Addition: The First Step Toward Change
The historic change began with the Highland Park Addition plat, which dated back to 1909. This document had explicit language prohibiting Black people from owning or occupying property in the area.
The covenant stated, “No person of any race, other than the Caucasian or American Indian shall ever own, use, or occupy any land or structure in this addition except that this covenant and restriction shall not apply to nor prevent occupancy of domestic servants of a different race domiciled with an owner or tenant.”
Local business owner Wayne Frost first highlighted this issue in 2022, saying, “It’s just a reminder for me of where we’ve come from, from where this place used to be in the ’50s, to what it is now.”
New Laws Pave the Way for Progress
The change was made possible by recent legislative efforts. In 2023, Oklahoma passed House Bill 2288, allowing property owners to repudiate discriminatory language in land records. A year later, Senate Bill 1617 empowered municipalities to independently update such documents.
Together, these laws gave Edmond the tools to address its past. “This isn’t just about rewriting documents,” Davis emphasized during the ceremony. “It’s about making Edmond a place that values equality and inclusion.”
A Historic Moment for Edmond’s Legacy
Edmond’s actions make it the first city in Oklahoma to remove discriminatory language from plat documents. This step is part of a broader effort, with 19 additional documents slated for review in the coming months.
The properties affected include a mix of housing, commercial areas, a fire station, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, and part of the University of Central Oklahoma. These changes symbolize a city shedding its exclusionary past for a more inclusive future.
A Legacy of Leadership and Hope
Davis’s leadership represents a powerful example of progress and accountability. His role as Edmond’s first Black mayor brings added significance to this achievement.
“We can’t undo history,” Davis noted, “but we can learn from it and ensure our future reflects the values we hold today.”
The move is a win for Edmond and Oklahoma, showing how communities can address systemic inequality through policy and action.
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