We invite everyone to join us in the spirit of unity, respect, culture, and community as we honor the remarkable legacy of Black Wall Street, celebrate its impact, and inspire future generations.
Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District was once a thriving hub, lined with hotels, theaters, medical offices, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Known as “Black Wall Street,” it was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the United States. This success was no accident—O.W. Gurley, a wealthy African American from Arkansas, deliberately fostered its growth. In 1906, he purchased over 40 acres of land in Tulsa, selling it exclusively to Black residents to create a self-sustaining and prosperous community. However, on May 31, 1921, a white mob launched a violent attack on Greenwood, destroying homes and businesses in what became known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. Considered one of the worst incidents of racial violence in American history, the attack devastated more than 35 square blocks of the district, reducing one of the nation’s wealthiest Black communities to ashes. (238) “Tulsa 1921: An American Tragedy” – YouTube