They hid this for DECADES!! The town that proved all the naysayers wrong...

Summary

This video delves into the historical significance of Tulsa's Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, highlighting its rise as a prosperous African-American community post-Civil War. It contrasts the thriving businesses and innovative spirit within Greenwood against the backdrop of systemic racism and the eventual 1921 massacre, which was fueled by jealousy and fear of black success. The narrative emphasizes the resilience of black entrepreneurs and the wealth generated in the community, challenging narratives of black inadequacy. Ultimately, it showcases the enduring legacy of black excellence and the ongoing fight against historical erasure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Greenwood District in Tulsa, known as 'Black Wall Street,' was a thriving African-American community with significant economic success in the early 20th century.
• 😀 Systemic racism led to the destruction of prosperous black communities, as seen in the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, where the U.S. government aided in the violence.
• 😀 Wealth within the Greenwood community circulated extensively, with estimates suggesting it stayed within the community for up to a year, showcasing a self-sustaining economy.
• 😀 Prominent figures like O.W. Gurley and Dr. A.C. Jackson played crucial roles in building the community's infrastructure and reputation for excellence.
• 😀 The success of Greenwood was a direct counterpoint to racist notions of black inadequacy and was fueled by the community's entrepreneurial spirit.
• 😀 Despite the systemic oppression and violence, the Greenwood District had a per capita income that exceeded that of much of white America at the time.
• 😀 The district was home to many successful black-owned businesses, including the largest black-owned hotel in the U.S., owned by J.B. Stratford.
• 😀 The vibrant cultural life of Greenwood included music, with jazz and blues thriving in local clubs, attracting talent from across the country.
• 😀 Historical accounts often overlook the contributions of black individuals to civilization, emphasizing the need for recognition of their achievements.
• 😀 The resilience and drive of the Greenwood community continue to inspire new generations, proving that the legacy of black excellence is enduring.

Q & A

What was the significance of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma?

The Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, was a prosperous African-American community that thrived economically and culturally in the early 20th century, showcasing the potential for black excellence despite systemic racism.

How did the success of Greenwood challenge racial stereotypes?

The success of Greenwood provided evidence against the notion that black individuals could not build prosperous communities, demonstrating significant economic success and wealth accumulation within a segregated environment.

Who were some notable figures from the Greenwood District?

Notable figures included O.W. Gurley, a landowner and developer; Dr. A.C. Jackson, a renowned surgeon; and J.B. Stratford, who owned the largest black-owned hotel in the U.S. at the time.

What events led to the destruction of the Greenwood District?

The destruction was fueled by racial tensions, jealousy, and resentment towards the economic success of the black community, culminating in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, where white mobs attacked and devastated the district.

What role did Jim Crow laws play in the history of Greenwood?

Jim Crow laws enforced segregation and limited opportunities for black individuals, but the community of Greenwood adapted by creating its own economy, thriving despite systemic oppression.

How did the community's economic structure function?

The economy in Greenwood operated on a system of internal circulation, where money was spent within the community, sometimes circulating as many as 36 to 100 times before leaving, fostering significant wealth accumulation.

What cultural contributions did Greenwood make?

Greenwood was a vibrant cultural hub where jazz and blues flourished, attracting entertainers from across the country, and contributing significantly to the broader cultural landscape of America.

How does the history of Greenwood relate to broader themes of African-American resilience?

The history of Greenwood exemplifies the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of African-Americans who, despite facing systemic oppression and violence, created successful communities and sought economic independence.

What was the impact of oil discovery on the Greenwood community?

The discovery of oil in Tulsa further enhanced the economic status of the black population, allowing black entrepreneurs to gain prominence in the oil industry and contribute to the community's wealth.

How did historical narratives about black success get overlooked or distorted?

Historical narratives were often overshadowed by racist ideologies that portrayed black individuals as incapable of success, while the actual achievements of communities like Greenwood were deliberately suppressed or ignored.