Regina Goodwin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Regina Goodwin
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Goodwin in 2024
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| Member of the Oklahoma Senate from the 11th district |
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| Assumed office November 13, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin Matthews |
| Member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 73rd district |
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| In office July 21, 2015 – November 13, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin Matthews |
| Succeeded by | Ron Stewart |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 22, 1962 Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Regina Goodwin (born September 22, 1962) is an American politician. She currently serves in the Oklahoma Senate, representing the 11th district since 2024. Before this, she was a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 73rd district from 2015 to 2024.
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Early Life and Family Background
Regina Goodwin was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She grew up in the historic Greenwood District. This area is also known as Black Wall Street. It was a thriving Black community in the early 1900s.
Her great-grandfather, James Henri Goodwin, moved to Greenwood in 1914. He helped start a business there. He also managed a newspaper called the Tulsa Star. Both he and his son Edward, Regina's grandfather, survived the terrible Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921. This event destroyed much of the Greenwood District.
Later, Edward Goodwin started The Oklahoma Eagle newspaper in 1936. It became the longest-running Black newspaper in Oklahoma. Regina's father, Edward Jr., also helped run the newspaper.
Regina Goodwin went to Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa. She graduated in 1980. She then earned a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kansas. She also studied for her master's degree at Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois.
Serving in the Oklahoma State Legislature
In the Oklahoma House of Representatives
Regina Goodwin was first elected as a State Representative for Tulsa House District 73 in 2015. She served in this role until 2024.
While in the House, she was the Assistant Minority Floor Leader. This means she helped lead the minority political party. She also chaired the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus. This group works on issues important to the Black community.
Goodwin focused on several important issues. These included improving public education, making housing more available, and improving health care. She also worked on police reform. This involves making sure police interact fairly with everyone. She raised concerns about how police officers treated people in Tulsa.
In 2020, a political rally was planned in Tulsa. It was set for Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery. The rally was near the site of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Goodwin and other Black Caucus members spoke out. They were worried about increased racial tensions. They also worried about health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic. The rally date was later changed.
In June 2021, on the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Goodwin spoke again. She and others called for "reparations." This means making amends for past wrongs. They also asked for steps to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.
Goodwin helped create several important laws:
- HB 1357, the Caregiver Support Act: This law helps people who care for others. It provides resources and financial support.
- HB 3393, the Anti-Shackling Law: This law ensures pregnant women in custody are treated with dignity during childbirth. It bans the use of shackles during labor and delivery.
- HB 2253: This law makes it clearer when people can vote again after being convicted of certain crimes.
Becoming a State Senator
In June 2024, Regina Goodwin won the Democratic primary election for the Oklahoma Senate's 11th district. Since no other candidates ran against her, she won the seat. She officially became a State Senator on November 13, 2024.
In January 2025, Goodwin was stopped by a Tulsa County Sheriff's deputy. She was given a ticket for traffic violations. She later stated that the courts would handle the matter.
Images for kids
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Goodwin in 2024
