The Greenwood Historical District, known as “Black Wall Street,” was a prosperous center for Black commerce and culture in the early 1900s, famously dubbed by Booker T. Washington. This 35-block area, rich in jazz and blues heritage, was home to prominent figures like Count Basie and the wealthiest African-American neighborhood in North America.

Tragically, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre devastated the district, burning 36 square blocks, killing over 300 African-Americans, leaving more than 10,000 homeless, and destroying over 2,000 businesses. Despite receiving no assistance from city, state, or federal governments, the resilient Greenwood community rebuilt stronger than ever. Within a decade, the district boasted more active businesses than before the massacre.

The Greenwood Cultural Center now showcases this rich heritage through pictorial exhibits, preserving the legacy and resilience of the community. By highlighting these stories, the Greenwood Historical District connects the past to the present, fostering reflection, dialogue, and a commitment to justice and equality.