Black Wall Street was the thriving Greenwood District in Tulsa during the early 1900s. It became one of the most prosperous Black communities in the United States, home to doctors, attorneys, educators, entrepreneurs, and more than 100 Black-owned businesses. The area earned the nickname “Black Wall Street” because of its extraordinary economic success and spirit of self-sufficiency during a time of widespread segregation and systemic discrimination.

In 1921, that prosperity was violently attacked during what is now known as the Tulsa Race Massacre. Over the course of two days, homes and businesses were destroyed, and lives were lost. Yet even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, Greenwood’s residents’ resilience endured. The legacy of Black Wall Street is not only a story of loss, but also one of innovation, determination, and the power of community. As we reflect during Black History Month, it reminds us why economic opportunity, access, and community support matter, and why these conversations continue to be important today.