In the early twentieth century, thousands of Americans headed toward the prosperity and promise of the newly discovered and booming Oklahoma oilfields.
In Tulsa, African Americans moving to the area settled down in an area that would soon become known as the Greenwood District. Due to segregation, black homes and businesses that developed in this area were quite prosperous and provided all the services – businesses, schools, entertainment – that a small community needed to sustain itself.
The Greenwood area flourished, and before long, the affluent business area was nicknamed “Black Wall Street” and was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the country. Greenwood has persevered through disasters and economic downturns to revitalize itself multiple times, impacting the larger Tulsa community, and creating a remarkable history.
This exhibit was open 2014-2015