Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center — Attraction in Tulsa

The docent publicly humiliated myself, my child and her best friend (both 12, TPS students). We came to learn about hateful behavior and we experienced it. We came on Mar 17th. Lots of people wandering in and out due to downtown festivals, no one stopped us or asked for a ticket, so we just wandered into the wrong side and a kind employee explained that it started on the other side, so we went to listen to the presentation that had just started. We stood at the back, respectfully trying to not interrupt. The presenter/docent singled us out and yelled at us that everywhere requires reservations and made us feel as small as possible. Another employee tried to tell us we could stay, but we were so embarrassed and ashamed that we even tried to learn the Shameful History of Tulsey Town that we immediately left. My child (black/native) and her best friend (white) kids who attend Tulsa public, which refused in the past and now by law Cannot teach any "controversial history". The best friend has parents that will never take her to this museum nor will her school - this was her only opportunity to learn about this. Every other business we entered on Black Wall Street was wonderful and welcoming. Even Preacher Franklin's BBQ was nicer back in the day - and they were craaanky! Here, sadly, none of us learned anything but anger and shame today. Sadly, reinforcing the same thing this museum is all about. We only wanted to learn and donate. I truly wish I had wonderful things to say about the history and artwork...

Immersive and visceral exhibits allow you to see the Tulsa Massacre from the victims' perspectives. The story of the massacre was kept so quiet that this museum's existence is a triumph. They tell the story of slavery, lynchings, other race massacres across the United States, Tulsa's Massacre, the further victimization of the survivors, the dividing and erosion of the Greenwood District, and the recent acknowledgement of the massacre. Having this context in your head will give your visit to Black Wall Street a deeper understanding. I also recommend visiting The Greenwood Cultural Center on the other side of the freeway. We learned even more there than was covered at the Greenwood Rising museum. 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 on the lobby walls or watch a documentary in the lobby so as to not disturb the activities and library. 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. Prepare to be moved and allow extra time for thoroughly absorbing...

This place is powerful Yes, it is sad. A horrible tragedy took place in this area, but I walked away feeling empowered. The theme of the area and this museum is resilience and rising up again despite of. Hence the name... I didn't get it till afterward... duh.. GREENWOOD RISING! Staff was friendly, but so were guest. I saw folks of several nationalities all there to remember this trauma.

TIPS

Admission price with timed tickets include a tour. Allow about two hours. One for the tour and another to explore on your own. That being said the museum is small, but lots packed into the place.

There are some areas that contained disturbing images, be prepared, but they do have a alternate hallway to bypass this.

Bring a little extra money if possible. You have to walk down the road (before 7pm) to look patronize some of the BO shops has sprung up in the aftermath. There is soul food restaurant towards end of the block south of the museum if you want to grab lunch or dinner. It gets crowded, and is small, but the staff is super friendly.

Keep walking south towards the overpass, just after the soulfood place and turn around. You will see a beautiful mural.

The are homeless around that sometimes hang out under the overpass. No one harassed us,...