Black Wall Street refers to the thriving African American district of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the early 20th century. The area got its name due to the economic success and prosperity of the many Black-owned businesses that operated there. Greenwood was home to a prosperous community of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and residents who built a self-sufficient and thriving enclave within a segregated society.

The growth of Black Wall Street was fueled by the oil boom in Oklahoma and the entrepreneurship of Black residents who saw the opportunity to create businesses and wealth in the face of systemic racism and segregation. The community boasted a variety of businesses, including banks, restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, and more, all owned and operated by Black individuals.

Sadly, in 1921, Greenwood was the site of one of the most devastating racial massacres in American history. A white mob attacked and destroyed much of the district, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and property. Hundreds of Black residents were killed, and thousands were left homeless as a result of the violence. The Tulsa Race Massacre, as it came to be known, was a tragic event that not only destroyed the physical infrastructure of Black Wall Street but also had lasting psychological and economic impacts on the Black community in Tulsa.

Despite the destruction inflicted upon Black Wall Street, the resilience and spirit of the Greenwood residents endured, and efforts have been made in recent years to acknowledge and commemorate the history of the district. The legacy of Black Wall Street serves as a testament to the strength and perseverance of Black communities in the face of adversity and injustice.