Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma Is Alive and Well

May 18, 2026

Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma Is Alive and Well

Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma Is Alive and Well

By: Angela K. Chambers, Ph.D.

Historic Greenwood Avenue — known worldwide as Black Wall Street — continues to stand as a powerful symbol of resilience, entrepreneurship, culture, and Black economic excellence.

As the Historic Greenwood Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years of impact, leaders, business owners, dignitaries, and community supporters recently gathered on historic Greenwood for a special celebration hosted by “The Chamber.” The event included a short program, networking reception, reflections on history, and a celebration of the future of Greenwood.

The program was emceed by former Chamber President Rebecca Marks-Jimerson, who welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of preserving the economic and historical legacy of Greenwood Avenue for future generations.

Attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons spoke passionately about the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, justice, restoration, and the continued work required to move the community forward. He also presented attendees with complimentary copies of his book, Redeem a Nation: The Century-Long Battle to Restore the Soul of America, further encouraging education, awareness, and meaningful dialogue surrounding Tulsa’s history and the future of reparative justice.

The celebration also featured a special performance by J. Friday, adding music, culture, and energy to an already memorable evening on historic Greenwood Avenue.

Historic Greenwood Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Freeman Culver III invited attending business owners to introduce themselves and share information about their businesses, highlighting the continued growth and economic activity taking place on Black Wall Street today.

Dr. Culver also recognized several dignitaries and distinguished guests in attendance, including Black mayors, city council candidates, Oklahoma City Black Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Carlos M. Robinson, Deep Greenwood Foundation President Heather Nash, and many others dedicated to supporting the advancement of Greenwood and Black-owned businesses.

The Historic Greenwood Chamber of Commerce is not just any chamber.

It is the second oldest Black Chamber of Commerce in the United States and one of the nation’s largest economic-based Black chambers. Reaching 100 years is no small feat. It represents a century of perseverance through tragedy, rebuilding, economic challenges, and determination.

Yet Greenwood remains strong.

Today, there are more than 40 Black-owned businesses operating within the commercial buildings owned by The Chamber in the historic 100 block of North Greenwood Avenue. Restaurants, retail shops, media companies, professional service providers, cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs continue conducting business on the sacred ground once known as America’s Black Wall Street.

The Chamber continues working to preserve the remaining historic buildings while strengthening tourism, economic development, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation efforts throughout Greenwood.

Community support remains critical.

Supporters are encouraged to:

▪️Join the Historic Greenwood Chamber of Commerce

▪️Contribute to ongoing GoFundMe and restoration efforts

▪️Shop with Black-owned businesses on Greenwood

▪️Attend community events and programs

▪️Visit historic Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma (Book Tour: TourOfBlackWallStreet.com)

The celebration continues on December 12, 2026, when the Historic Greenwood Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Gala on “The Rooftop” on historic Greenwood Avenue. More information is expected soon.

Black Wall Street is more than history.

It is legacy. It is business. It is culture. It is resilience. It is community.

And despite every attempt to destroy it, Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma is alive and well.

Help The Chamber reach its goal of 1 Million Dollars to preserve The Original Black Wall Street

GoFundMe Campaign by Dr. Freeman Culver, Greenwood Community Development Corporation

▪️Donate any amount

▪️Challenege others to donate and support

▪️Share the link via text or on social media