35 Facts About Black Wall Street

The Rise of Black Wall Street

Black Wall Street, located in the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a thriving African American community in the early 20th century. It became a symbol of economic prosperity and resilience.

1. Greenwood District: The area was named after Greenwood, Mississippi, where many early settlers originated.
2. Economic Hub: By 1921, Greenwood had over 600 businesses, including banks, hotels, cafes, and theaters.
3. O.W. Gurley: A wealthy African American landowner, O.W. Gurley, purchased 40 acres of land in Tulsa and sold it exclusively to Black settlers.
4. Booker T. Washington: The famous educator and leader Booker T. Washington dubbed Greenwood "Negro Wall Street" due to its economic success.
5. Self-Sufficiency: Residents of Black Wall Street rarely needed to leave the district for goods or services, fostering a strong sense of community.

Prominent Figures and Businesses

The success of Black Wall Street was driven by numerous influential individuals and thriving businesses.

6. J.B. Stradford: J.B. Stradford, a prominent businessman, owned the luxurious Stradford Hotel, which was one of the largest Black-owned hotels in the United States.
7. Dr. A.C. Jackson: Dr. A.C. Jackson, a renowned Black surgeon, was considered one of the best in the country by the Mayo brothers.
8. Williams Dreamland Theatre: The Williams Dreamland Theatre, owned by John and Loula Williams, was a popular entertainment venue in Greenwood.
9. Mabel B. Little: Mabel B. Little ran a successful beauty salon and was a key figure in the community.
10. Black-Owned Newspapers: The Tulsa Star and the Oklahoma Sun were influential Black-owned newspapers that kept the community informed.

The Tulsa Race Massacre

Despite its success, Black Wall Street faced a devastating event in 1921 that changed its course forever.

11. Incident at Drexel Building: The massacre was triggered by an incident involving a young Black man, Dick Rowland, and a white woman, Sarah Page, in an elevator.
12. False Accusations: Rowland was falsely accused of assaulting Page, leading to his arrest and a white mob gathering at the courthouse.
13. Armed Confrontation: Armed Black residents, fearing a lynching, went to the courthouse to protect Rowland, resulting in a confrontation with the white mob.
14. May 31, 1921: The violence erupted on the night of May 31, 1921, and continued into the next day.
15. Destruction: Over 35 city blocks were destroyed, and more than 1,200 homes were burned down.
16. Death Toll: Estimates of the death toll range from 100 to 300 people, with many more injured.
17. Mass Graves: Recent investigations have uncovered possible mass graves of massacre victims.
18. Martial Law: Martial law was declared, and the National Guard was called in to restore order.
19. Insurance Claims Denied: Many Black residents filed insurance claims for their destroyed property, but most were denied due to riot clauses.

Rebuilding and Legacy

Despite the destruction, the spirit of Black Wall Street endured, and efforts to rebuild began almost immediately.

20. Reconstruction: Many residents returned to Greenwood and began rebuilding their homes and businesses.
21. Economic Challenges: The community faced significant economic challenges, including lack of access to loans and resources.
22. Resilience: Despite these obstacles, Greenwood slowly began to thrive again in the following decades.
23. Civil Rights Movement: The legacy of Black Wall Street inspired future generations and played a role in the Civil Rights Movement.
24. Greenwood Cultural Center: The Greenwood Cultural Center was established to preserve the history and legacy of Black Wall Street.
25. John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park: This park was created to honor the victims and promote reconciliation.
26. Tulsa Race Massacre Commission: Formed in 1997, the commission investigates the events and seeks justice for the victims.
27. Education: Efforts have been made to include the history of Black Wall Street and the Tulsa Race Massacre in school curriculums.
28. Economic Development: Recent initiatives aim to revitalize the Greenwood District and support Black-owned businesses.

Modern Recognition and Commemoration

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Black Wall Street and its significance in American history.

29. Centennial Commemoration: The 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre in 2021 brought national attention to Black Wall Street.
30. Presidential Visit: President Joe Biden visited Tulsa in 2021 to commemorate the centennial and acknowledge the tragedy.
31. Documentaries and Films: Several documentaries and films have been produced to tell the story of Black Wall Street, including "Tulsa Burning" and "Watchmen."
32. Books and Articles: Numerous books and articles have been written to educate the public about Black Wall Street and its history.
33. Public Awareness: Increased public awareness has led to calls for reparations and justice for the descendants of massacre victims.
34. Cultural Impact: The story of Black Wall Street has become a symbol of Black excellence, resilience, and the fight for justice.
35. Ongoing Efforts: Efforts continue to preserve the history of Black Wall Street and ensure that its legacy is never forgotten.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street

Black Wall Street's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community strength. Despite the devastating 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the spirit of Greenwood's residents remains an inspiring testament to what can be achieved through unity and determination. The neighborhood thrived with Black-owned businesses, schools, and cultural institutions, setting a powerful example for future generations.

Today, the legacy of Black Wall Street continues to inspire movements for economic empowerment and social justice. Remembering this history is crucial for understanding the broader context of racial inequality in America and recognizing the potential for rebuilding and growth. By honoring the past, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Black Wall Street's story isn't just about tragedy; it's about the enduring power of community and the relentless pursuit of progress. Let's carry forward the lessons learned and strive for a better tomorrow.