In 1921 an attack on Black Tulsa wasso atrocious that city leaders tried to hide the truth. For decades. The Tulsa Race Massacre was the most destructive racial violence in U.S. history, but was not the end of Black Wall Street — heart of the Black-owned Greenwood neighborhood.
We proudly partner with the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce to host tours led by members of the community. Part of the proceeds benefit the BWSCC. However, due to summer’s heat, our tours are paused until the fall.
Here are other options to consider:
1. Greenwood Rising is a Black Wall Street history museum open 10am-7pm daily except closed Mon. Walk in or make a reservation for timed entry. This is a self-guided experience. Groups of 20+ people have the option for a guided tour inside the museum. Greenwood Rising is at 23 N. Greenwood Ave and Archer St. Call (539) 867-3173 for info.
2. The free Greenwood Cultural Center is open Mon-Fri 9-5 but closed Sat-Sun. Pictorial exhibits and survivors gallery testimonials are worth a look. Free parking on-site.
3. For a tour owned and operated by descendants, try Real Black Wall Street Tours
4. Another option is to tour with Terry the “Mayor of Greenwood”
5. Kode, owner of Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge, is a wealth of knowledge and offers tours with an economic focus. You can also drop by and chat with him at his coffee shop. He also leads some of our tours.
Can you visit Black Wall Street?
Yes, you can visit Black Wall Street on a guided tour or by exploring yourself with ourneighborhood guide. Here are things to do in Greenwood followed by resources for further reading.
Tulsa, 1921: Reporting a Massacre
by Randy Krehbiel (2019)
Long-time Tulsa World government reporter looks back into newspapers and published sources to form a narrative of what happened and why. The book include a chapter about more recent racial crimes like the murder of Terrence Crutcher by law enforcement in 2016.
Death in a Promised Land: The Tulsa Race Riot of 1921
by Dr. Scott Ellsworth (1992)
Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District
by Hannibal B. Johnson (2007)
The Burning: Massacre, Destruction, and the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921
by Tim Madigan (2003)
Events of the Tulsa Disaster
by Mrs. Mary E. Jones Parrish (1922)
First-hand account by a survivor who interviewed others and compiled them privately. The Inter-Racial Committee then hired her to create a report, which resulted in this book. The granular details of the violence and looting make for a fascinating read. The reprinted version can be purchased at the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation by calling their office (918) 295-5009.
Digital Resources
Tulsa Historical Society - 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Oklahoma Historical Society - Tulsa Race Riot Report (2001 report, PDF)
Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Library - Race Massacre Archive