2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Black Wall Street

Black Wall Street was the name given to the prosperous African American community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 20th century. The district got its name from the thriving businesses and economic success of the African American residents who had created a self-sufficient and affluent community in the segregated south.

Greenwood was home to a wide array of businesses, including banks, restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and more, all owned and operated by African Americans. The community thrived economically and culturally, becoming a symbol of Black excellence and resilience.

Tragically, in 1921, white mobs descended on Greenwood in what is now known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. During the massacre, the entire district was burned to the ground, leaving thousands of residents homeless and many dead. The destruction of Black Wall Street was a devastating blow to the African American community in Tulsa and a stark example of the racial violence and discrimination that persisted in America during that time.

Despite the destruction of Black Wall Street, the resilience and spirit of the Greenwood community lived on. In recent years, efforts have been made to commemorate and preserve the history of Black Wall Street as a testament to the strength and determination of African Americans in the face of adversity.