Topic: Black Wall Street
Black Wall Street refers to the historic Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the United States during the early 20th century. The area was named after the prominent African American entrepreneur O.W. Gurley who founded the district in 1906.
Greenwood quickly became a thriving center of Black business and culture, with numerous successful black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, restaurants, and theaters. The community also had its own schools, post office, hospital, and library.
On May 31 and June 1, 1921, the district was tragically destroyed in what became known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. A white mob descended upon Greenwood, looting, burning, and killing residents in one of the deadliest racial massacres in American history. The exact number of deaths is still unknown, but it is estimated that hundreds of African Americans were killed and thousands were left homeless.
Despite the devastation of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the residents of Greenwood allowed the community to slowly rebuild and thrive once again. Today, efforts are being made to preserve the memory of Black Wall Street and honor the legacy of the African American residents who built and sustained this remarkable community.