Black Wall Street — Attraction in Tulsa

A hub for discussions on race in the U.S.

Greenwood Rising, the name of Tulsa’s new “Black Wall Street” history center, aptly describes the groundswell of support for sustainable socioeconomic transformation in the Oklahoma city’s Historic Greenwood District—site of one of the worst incidents of racial violence in the United States’ history.

Beginning on May 31, 1921, white terrorists destroyed the prosperous district in an 18-hour assault, murdering some 300 Black residents and erasing nearly 35 blocks of Black-owned homes and businesses. To commemorate the 100th anniversary—and tell the story of the once vibrant community—the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission is building Greenwood Rising (expected to open in fall 2021) and is hosting speakers, concerts, and other special events throughout the year.

The history center is designed to be a catalyst for revitalizing Greenwood and for confronting and ending systemic racism across the U.S., says Phil Armstrong, project director of the Centennial Commission.

“There’s a real sense in Tulsa and throughout the country that we are much better than this,” Armstrong says. “Greenwood Rising will be a launching pad for continuing the discussion of racial trauma and reconciliation, and the entire historic district will be a place where people can come to learn, acknowledge implicit bias, and personally commit to enacting real change within their own spheres...

Within two blocks, we visited the cultural center, passed a historic church, saw half a dozen murals, toured the new museum, and ate at an authentic soul food restaurant. In the Black Wall Street area, you have opportunities to support black-owned businesses and learn the important history of Tulsa's Race Massacre. I especially recommend visiting both sides of the freeway and going inside the Greenwood Cultural Center. The community was divided by the freeway construction, including tearing down landmark buildings, so visiting both sides gives you a fuller experience of the area. The Greenwood Cultural Center has been there for decades and we made a point of visiting out of respect for their commitment to the community. It is a functioning community center, so visitors need to quietly read the information or watch a documentary in the lobby so as to not disturb the activities and library. Also recommended are seeing the outside of Vernon AME Church, eating at Wanda J's Next Generation Restaurant, and experiencing the new Greenwood Rising Black Wall St....

On September 20, 2024, Our family visited The Black Wall Street Originals!! It was amazing!! The History of the Dynamic Black Community told from3rd Generation Descendants reveal facts that are not written down! The Unity and Love of the People Not just for one another but for all was deeply moving. The List of Successful Businesses and how the dollar stayed in the Black community for 38 times before leaving their community (which calculates into months)!!! WOW!! Then to hear of the account of how their great aunt, who is still alive today, had to step over bodies as she ran for her life! Three miles of Black Wall Street was destroyed!!!! This experience left our family in awe and in tears!! Hopefully Tulsa Black Wall Street will Reclaim their 3 Miles Territory and Reparations will be granted!! They deserve this and...