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

Summary

This video script uncovers the hidden history of Tulsa's Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, and its violent destruction in 1921. It highlights the resilience and success of Black communities, particularly in the face of systemic racism. The script emphasizes the achievements of influential Black figures such as Granville Woods, Madame CJ Walker, and George Washington Carver, while critiquing the silencing of Black history and the deliberate destruction of prosperous Black neighborhoods. It calls for a deeper understanding of Black excellence and challenges the dominant narratives of racial superiority.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as Black Wall Street, was a thriving black community before being destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
• 😀 The destruction of Greenwood was a result of systemic racism, driven by white jealousy and resentment towards the success of black-owned businesses.
• 😀 Greenwood’s economy was self-sustained, with money circulating within the community for long periods, building significant wealth and prosperity.
• 😀 African-American entrepreneurs, such as O.W. Gurley, J.B. Stratford, and A.C. Jackson, played pivotal roles in the creation of Greenwood’s affluent business district.
• 😀 Despite racial hostility, Greenwood became one of the most affluent African-American communities in the country, with a per capita income exceeding much of White America at the time.
• 😀 The contributions of black inventors and entrepreneurs, such as Granville Woods, Madame CJ Walker, and George Washington Carver, exemplified black excellence and innovation.
• 😀 The success of Greenwood and similar black communities challenged white supremacist narratives that black people were inferior or incapable of success.
• 😀 Black communities like Greenwood operated independently from white structures, creating their own infrastructure and thriving despite a hostile environment.
• 😀 The Tulsa Race Massacre was fueled by the fear of black economic success and the need to maintain the racial hierarchy of white supremacy.
• 😀 African-American achievements in various fields—such as agriculture, medicine, and invention—are often overlooked, yet they form a significant part of human history, challenging the narrative of black inferiority.

Q & A

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

The Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, was one of the most affluent African-American communities in the early 20th century. It was a self-sustaining area with a thriving economy, where businesses, schools, and medical services were run by Black entrepreneurs and professionals. The district was a powerful demonstration of Black economic success and independence.

Why was the Greenwood District destroyed in 1921?

The Greenwood District was destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, driven by racial resentment and jealousy from white residents. The success of Black entrepreneurs and the prosperity of the community threatened the white supremacist system, leading to the violent destruction of the district with the assistance of the US government, including aerial bombing.

How did the success of the Greenwood District challenge racial stereotypes?

The success of the Greenwood District challenged the racist belief that Black people were incapable of creating and sustaining successful businesses or thriving communities. The district's prosperity proved that African Americans could build and manage affluent, self-sustaining communities, directly contradicting the narrative of Black inferiority.

What was the economic model that contributed to the success of the Greenwood District?

The success of Greenwood was driven by a community-based economic model where wealth circulated within the district. Black residents did business with one another, leading to the accumulation of significant capital. Money circulated multiple times within the community before leaving, which helped the local economy grow and thrive.

What were some notable businesses and individuals in the Greenwood District?

Notable businesses and individuals in the Greenwood District included O.W. Gurley, a wealthy landowner and businessman, Dr. A.C. Jackson, a renowned Black surgeon, and Simon Barry, who owned a taxi service. These figures played pivotal roles in the economic and social life of Greenwood, making it a beacon of Black entrepreneurship and excellence.

How did the discovery of oil impact the Black community in Tulsa?

The discovery of oil in Tulsa significantly boosted the economic status of the Black community, with several Black entrepreneurs becoming oil barons. This newfound wealth further established the Greenwood District as an economic power center and gave African Americans in Tulsa greater financial influence.

What role did the Ku Klux Klan play in the destruction of Black communities like Greenwood?

The Ku Klux Klan, although banned in the early 20th century, continued to operate underground, reflecting the deep racial hostility and resentment towards the economic success of Black communities like Greenwood. The Klan's ideology of white supremacy fueled the racial animus that culminated in the massacre.

How did historical African civilizations contribute to the context of Black excellence in the script?

The script highlights the long history of Black excellence, tracing contributions from early African civilizations to the successes in the Greenwood District. It draws connections to achievements like the invention of writing, mathematics, and agriculture, suggesting that Black people have been foundational to the development of human civilization.

What is the significance of the phrase 'proof by contradiction' in the script?

The phrase 'proof by contradiction' refers to the idea that the success of Black communities, like the one in Greenwood, disproves the racist argument that Black people are incapable of building prosperous societies. By demonstrating economic success in the face of systemic oppression, these communities offer undeniable evidence that challenges racial stereotypes.

What message does the script convey about the importance of history and recognition of Black contributions?

The script emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating Black history and contributions. It argues that recognizing the achievements of Black individuals and communities not only challenges racism but also highlights the resilience and excellence that has shaped civilization throughout history.