Issue #25 - Black Wall Street

Broster - A combination of a bro and a hipster. Has the party-loving attitude of a bro, the pretentious taste of a hipster, but is somewhere in between. 

In honor of Black History Month will feature a few posts on Black History

Black Wall Street
During the early 20th century the Tulsa, Oklahoma suburb of Greenwood was popularly known as America's "Black Wall Street."During the oil boom of the 1910s, the area of northeast Oklahoma around Tulsa flourished drawing many people to move there for better opportunities. However amongst Oklahoma's first laws as as an official state in 1907 was strict segregation laws. As a result, Blacks in the area created entrepreneurial opportunities for themselves   The Greenwood area emerged as a result, housing a thriving business center, banks, hotels, cafes, clothiers, movie theaters, and contemporary homes. Greenwood residents enjoyed any luxuries that their white neighbors did not, including indoor plumbing and a highly functioning school system.

Such success drew envy as white backlash emerged with the growth of the Ku Klux Klan in the area and ultimately culminated in the Tulsa Massacre of 1921. Just before this devastating event occurred, there were over 10,000 black residents in the Greenwood District and surrounding areas. The events that preceded the massacre, and were used as "justification" was the alleged assault of a white female elevator operator by a black shoeshiner. During the massacre, 35 square blocks of homes and businesses were torched by mobs of angry whites. The attack killed hundreds and left thousands homeless. The city government of Tulsa conspired with the mob, arresting many black residents and refusing to provide them with protection or assistance.

Another shameful piece of American history, hardly ever mentioned, if i recall from my middle school black history month days.

Notable Residents
O.W Gurley - A young entrepreneur who had resigned from a presidential appointment under President Grover Cleveland to move to Tulsa and strike out on his own. He purchased 40 acres of land to be "only sold to colored."

J.B Stradford - Arrived in Tulsa in 1899 believing that black people had a better chance of economic progress if they pooled their resources and supported each other's businesses. He bought large tracts of real estate in the northeastern part of Tulsa, which he had subdivided and sold exclusively to other blacks.  Since segregation was a reality and legalized with statehood this became a way to thrive under such conditions.

Dr. A.C Jackson - considered the "most able Negro surgeon in America" by the Mayo brothers (of the famed Mayo Clinic). He was shot to death as he surrendered on his porch during the unrest.

Olivia Hooker - young at the time of the riots but survived to lead an impactful life. She became the first African American woman to enter the coast guard and later became a psychologist and professor. She went on to work in the mental hygiene department of a women's correctional facility. Many woman in this facility were considered to have severe learning disabilities by the staff. Hooker believed they were more capable than given credit and helped the women pursue better education and jobs by approaching them with an open mind. She became one of the founders of the American Psychological Association's Division 33, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She joined the Tulsa Race Riot Commission in hopes of demanding reparations for the massacre survivors. Hooker is now 103 years old and had joined the Coast Guard once again in the Auxillary, at 95!!