Remembering Black Wall Street: Inside the Greenwood Rising History Center
- mcpeekadventures
- Feb 12, 2024
- 4 min read
After moving to Tulsa, we vaguely learned about several historical events that happened here - some are really neat, some are emotionally hard to process and dark. Either way, we wanna dig into it deeper and share the experiences with y’all - the human experience is STRONG here in Tulsa.
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This was an eye opening, deep, sad, angering, and hopeful experience. I could see how someone could potentially become triggered or uncomfortable by this experience but nonetheless, we recommend that you add this to your list of places to see in Tulsa. Unfortunately, racism is still very much alive and we believe that there is no need for it. How do we combat racism? The first thing you can do is learn about what racism is. The second thing you can do is assess yourself. The third thing you can do is make a change if need-be to be better for yourself and for all the people around you. As a human race, we gotta do better. There is no need for anyone to be racist. There is SO much to be learned from other cultures.
We are all different and it is beautiful.
I left this experience wondering so many things, but the biggest thing is that if the Tulsa Race Massacre had not happened, how many amazing black owned businesses would be THRIVING today and making an impact on this community. I was mourning the innocent lives and livelihoods robbed too soon all because of hatred. I was deeply saddened. This experience made me FEEL and made me reflect.
What is it?
Simply, a history museum.
But, it’s MUCH more than that. It’s a place that is beautifully curated with amazing exhibits but also brings you right to the time of when the Tulsa Race Massacre occurred in 1921.
The Greenwood Rising website does a better job at summarizing than I ever could, so without further ado:
“Greenwood Rising honors the icons of Black Wall Street, memorializes the victims of the Massacre, and examines the lessons of the past to inspire meaningful, sustainable action in the present. Its multimedia presentation includes voices of Massacre survivors and profiles of historical figures, all contextualized in the history of America.”
There are four galleries:
“Gallery #1: The Greenwood Spirit
The Human Spirit focuses locally on the Greenwood District and the remarkable human spirit of its people. It tells the story of how Oklahomans collided, and sometimes connected, in a land that mirrored the race-based policy and practice that dominated the nation. Gallery #1 includes information about the Freedmen, the story of the formation and success of Black Wall Street, and profiles of Greenwood District icons.
Gallery #2: Arc of Oppression — Systems of Anti-Blackness
Arc of Oppression—Systems of Anti-Blackness addresses the national context of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and centers on the Massacre itself. Tulsa’s historical racial trauma, while emblematic of a larger system of racial oppression in America, maintains a uniqueness born of magnitude. The Massacre devastated a nationally renowned Black entrepreneurial community. This gallery provides context for what happened in Tulsa in 1921. It looks at Red Summer and lynchings.
Gallery #3: Changing Fortunes
Changing Fortunes highlights the remarkable resilience of the African American community post-Massacre, including the up-from-the-ashes philosophy that immediate rebuilding and a second Black Wall Street resurgence that peaked in the 1940s. This gallery also recalls the second Greenwood District decline hastened by integration, Urban Renewal, and a host of other social and economic factors.
Gallery #4: The Journey to Reconciliation
Journey to Reconciliation highlights prospects for reconciliation, which is a process, not a point. This space offers visitors an opportunity to transcend divisions and create an unflinchingly honest acknowledgment of biases and understanding of others. Prompt questions around social justice issues in this gallery stimulate thought and dialogue. A space at the end allows patrons to pledge personal commitments to racial reconciliation that are projected on the wall.
A bold, interpretive installation of Greenwood business signs anchors the exhibit space. The installation profiles key community members while flickering lights and various states of (dis)repair reference the ebbs and flows of economic success following the Massacre.”
Where is it?
It is located in the Greenwood District/Downtown Tulsa.
📍 23 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120
Who can enjoy this experience?
It is suited for anyone wanting to learn about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and its impact on Tulsa/the world.
When can you go?
They are open Tuesday-Sunday. Be sure to reserve a time slot/purchase tickets in advance.
If you want more information about how you can plan your day at Greenwood Rising, visit their website here.
If there are any places that you think would make for a fun adventure, please do not hesitate to let us know what it is! We love suggestions and feedback!
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As Sawyer likes to say.... We will see YOU on our next adventureeeee!!!
Blog Post written and published by: Dani McPeek
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