A 1921 massacre erased Black Wall Street in Tulsa. 300 Blacks were killed, over 10,000 were left homeless and countless others fled the city in fear. Hundreds of Black owned businesses were burned to the ground. Survivors were left with nothing and $2.7 million in insurance claims were denied. Very little remains of the original Black Wall Street but a group in Tulsa is hoping to restore its last 10 buildings, with the help of the community.
The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce (GCC) is raising funds for this initiative. GCC operates in conjunction with the Greenwood Community Development Corporation (GCDC) and Greenwood Centre LTD. Collectively, the group is hoping to raise $1 million to do roof replacements on the buildings, upgrade storefronts and signage, resurface parking lots and sidewalks. In addition, the group would like to use a portion of the funds to support the Historic Greenwood Welcome Center and Guided Tours Program, the Greenwood Small Business Incubator Program, the Greenwood Upstart Funding Program and the Greenwood Leadership 2021 Program.
What GCC is attempting to do is extremely important. Far too often, Black “leaders” wait for others to show interest or invest in Black communities. GCC, however, recognizes that it is up to Black people to develop Black neighborhoods. If Black people are to live in peace and prosperity, it will be because Black people take control of their communities. Black people alone understand the needs of their communities and must cater to them, period. Rather than wait for a grant or benevolent developer, GCC is attempting to salvage what is left of Black Tulsa’s heritage and build upon it.
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This is amazing what your supporting, the restoration of Black Wall Street. Although, I don’t have financial resources today, I want to be involved. Please keep me in the loop.
This is great. I wonder if this is still a black neighborhood. If so maybe I will move there and invest.
How do I donate?
This sounds great! We really need to revive more successful Black Owned, Black managed & Black Employed businesses in Black neighborhoods. Black Power!
So is there investment opportunities here? And if so where can I find information about it?
5 Thumbs Up!
I’m delighted to know some of you of the younger generation, are able to see and know the value of this project! I’m an 81 year old woman, who grew up in the deep south; left as soon as possible; and, have no plans to do anything except: visit relatives periodically. This notion that the South has changed and is ‘new’ is a misguided idea to say the least. There is nothing new under the sun–particularly ‘raw racism.’ With the ‘browing of america,’ and the likes of that person in the white house (built by black slaves), should be an indicator to these young folk: ‘the more things change the more they remain the same.’ I encourage and will (when able) support your efforts at restoring Black Wall Street. We need our own, rather than relying upon scared white folk to reparate us–it’s not going to happen! When I need a gift or two, I will be assured to purchase from this web site. In the interim, keep up the good works son and know your efforts will catch on in a minute. The minute I can spell ‘able’ you will hear from me. Take care and be as blessed as you are for your wonderful ideas and efforts.
Respectfully submitted,
Miz Frankie
Is there a statute of limitations for those denied insurance claims. Someone should look into it.