Despite facing systemic racism and segregation, the residents of Black Wall Street built a prosperous community that inspired generations.

As we reflect on significant moments in history that resonate with strength and resilience, we are compelled to highlight the profound legacy of Black Wall Street. This poignant chapter in American history serves as a testament to community, entrepreneurship, and the enduring pursuit of prosperity against all odds.

In the early 20th century, Greenwood, a thriving neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was at the time, one of the wealthiest black communities in the United States.  Colloquially, it was known as “Black Wall Street.” It was a bustling center of African American business and culture, characterized by its prosperous black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, theaters, and more. It was so thriving it drew the ire of white neighbors. 

On May 31, 1921, tragedy struck when a mob of white residents, fueled by racial animosity and false accusations, attacked and destroyed Greenwood. The massacre began during Memorial Day weekend after false rumors of 19-year-old Dick Rowland, a black shoeshiner, assaulting Sarah Page, a white 17-year-old elevator operator in the nearby Drexel Building. 

More than 800 people were admitted to hospitals, and as many as 6,000 black residents of Tulsa were interned in large facilities, many of them for several days. The Oklahoma Bureau of Vital Statistics officially recorded 36 dead. About 10,000 black people were left homeless, and the cost of the property damage amounted to more than $1.5 million in real estate and $750,000 in personal property (equivalent to $38.43 million in 2023). By the end of 1922, most of the residents’ homes had been rebuilt, but the city and real estate companies refused to compensate them. Many survivors left Tulsa, while residents who chose to stay in the city, regardless of race, largely kept silent about the terror, violence, and resulting losses for decades. The massacre was largely omitted from local, state, and national histories for years.

In 1996, 75 years after the massacre, a bipartisan group in the state legislature authorized the formation of the Oklahoma Commission to Study the Tulsa Race Riot of 1921. The commission’s final report, published in 2001, states that the city had conspired with the racist mob; it recommended a program of reparations to survivors and their descendants.

This has recently come back to memory through advocacy inspiring depictions in pop culture like HBO’s The Watchmen, and Lovecraft Country, as well as Killers of the Flower Moon.

The story of Black Wall Street is a reminder of the resilience and solidarity within communities facing adversity. It underscores the importance of inclusivity, equality, and justice in shaping a better future for all. 

Carriers like Prudential have also announce initiatives to repair relations with Black communities and provide loans to build Black businesses across the US and provide sound financial planning to grow generational wealth that was taken from individuals like those who were victims of the Tulsa Massacre. Whether you’re a business owner, homeowner, or individual seeking financial security, our range of insurance products—including business insurance, homeowners insurance, and personal coverage—aims to safeguard what matters most to you.

As we commemorate the legacy of Black Wall Street, let us strive to learn from the past and build a future where every community can thrive. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society where opportunities are accessible to all.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community at [Your Insurance Agency]. We remain committed to serving you with integrity, empathy, and dedication.