The New Greenwood: Tulsa’s Black Wall Street Booms Again by ftlworld00 TulsaRaceMassacreAnniversary
One hundred years ago, a dollar would change handsin the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma—moving from the till of one thriving business to another. That all came to an end on May 31, 1921, when a white mob descended on the community and killed over 200 of its Black residents and caused $50-million worth of damages to its luxury hotels, apartment buildings, schools, theaters, banks and other Black-owned businesses.
Nearly one year later, it’s become just that. Amid the racial tension and economic uncertainty that stemmed from the pandemic, Asamoa-Caesar’s shop offered critical race, gender and historical readings and a book subscription service to encourage allyship through reading. According to Asamoa-Caesar, it’s all about creating a space that conveys respect and dignity.In 1921, Greenwood wasn’t just the center of Tulsa’s Black economy, but of its Black culture.
Cooper’s entrepreneurial prowess lies in her ability to both understand and monetize not just sneakers, but sneaker culture. Silhouette sells coveted kicks like Adidas Yeezy 500 Bone White , New Balance 2002R Salehe Bembury and Jordan 1 Retro High White University Blue Black . The gallery features works by standout young artists such as “Black Cowboy” and music by Tulsa-based rappers like 1st Verse.
Now under the leadership of Aisha McWeay, a public defender who spent the past decade in Nashville’s Public Defender’s Office, Still She Rises has become an independent nonprofit organization so that those who cannot afford an attorney can receive legal representation. Of her staunch commitment to the people of Tulsa and her belief in the idea that real legal reform is on the way, McWeay has said, “Reform to the legal system is not a headline or hot topic for me, it’s a commitment.