Black Wall Street: The Wealthy African American Community of the Early 20th Century

By History Titans

While the Tulsa Race Massacre was one of the worst racially motivated carnages in U.S. history, and it is essential to bring awareness and proper respect to it and events like it, the massacre will not be the focus of this book. This project chooses to focus on the positive parts of the Greenwood District history and shine a light on the achievements and stories of early 20th century Black Americans and the formation and eventual astounding prosperity of the Greenwood community.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Creek Ridge Publishing
• Release date: Oct 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201866785

History Titans

History Titans creates a variety of concise historical educational content.

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Black Wall Street

The Wealthy African American Community of the Early 20th Century

Copyright © by Creek Ridge Publishing All Rights Reserved 2021

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: The First Black People of Oklahoma

Chapter 2: The Significance of Statehood

Chapter 3: But Why Tulsa?

Chapter 4: A Boom City within a Boom City

Chapter 5: The Uncrowned Builders of the Greenwood Community

Chapter 6: The Difference of Greenwood

Conclusion

References

Introduction

Right after the Civil War ended, African Americans finally received their freedom. Sadly, this did not mean that legal and social discrimination ended. Whether it was the horrendous Jim Crow[1] laws or the continuous perception that Black people were inferior to whites or even dangerous and in need of diligent control, racism against African Americans has persisted long after the end of slavery.

The story of the historic Greenwood District is a bittersweet one that speaks of triumph but was interrupted by tragedy, leaving one wondering, what if? The Black people of Greenwood had managed to overcome oppression, segregation, and widespread racism, only for all their progress to come to a sudden halt in May 1921.

The last breaths of May 2021 marked a hundred years since the Tulsa Race Massacre. The massacre was a two-day attack performed by weapon-carrying white men against the thriving Black community in the Greenwood district in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

While the Tulsa Race Massacre was one of the worst racially motivated carnages in U.S. history, and it is essential to bring awareness and proper respect to it and events like it, the massacre will not be the focus of this book. This project chooses to focus on the positive parts of the Greenwood District history and shine a light on the achievements and stories of early 20th century Black Americans and the formation and eventual astounding prosperity of the Greenwood community.

Many Americans, even native Tulsans, have no idea about the prevailing historical importance of the rise of the Greenwood District. Even those who know and acknowledge the race massacre usually aren't aware that the district was restored and even went through a Renaissance period. Its history is truly a marvel of perseverance, rife with all kinds of emotions, ranging from pride and hope to horror and regret, and eventually hope and remembrance once again.

There is plenty to be learned from such carefully concealed pieces of American history. In a time where people tend to be disillusioned with their trust in fellow humans, the rise of Greenwood can serve as a reminder that solidarity can work miracles. Every American should strive to be educated about the development of the Greenwood district in Tulsa. It became one of the most affluent African American communities in the nation, endured one of the most horrific race massacres in the country's history, and then rose from the ashes to spring full force into a well-deserved revival.

Chapter 1: The First Black People of Oklahoma

The history of the black people of Oklahoma is intricately linked to colonial westward expansion and greed for land in late nineteenth-century America. White farmers coveted cotton lands in the American Southeast, and white settlers insisted that the federal government get rid of the Natives of the region.

Many white migrants trespassed on Indian lands, while others demanded that more land was given to the settlers. Even though the effort was vigorously opposed by many, including the  Tennessee congressman Davy Crockett, President Andrew Jackson managed to gain Congressional approval for the Indian Removal Act of 1830. The Act sanctioned the obliteration of any Indian title that had a