The Legacy of Black Wall Street

The Legacy of Black Wall Street is an impactful, emotionally-charged series which aired on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in 2021. The riveting two-part documentary series takes an in-depth look into the extraordinary rise and calamitous fall of Black Wall Street, an epitome of Black prosperity and economic power that thrived in Greenwood District, Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early years of the 20th century.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street tells the story of this largely ignored slice of American history with incredible poise and relentless commitment. The tale of Black Wall Street signifies a pivotal moment in the nation's history from over a century ago. Greenwood was a sanctuary for African American prosperity, industriousness, and ingenuity, a place where Black men and women, sometimes survivors or children of former slaves, were able to overcome the entrenched prejudice of their time and create a self-sustaining community of remarkable economic power and cultural vibrancy. At the height of its prosperity, Black Wall Street boasted a thriving community of Black-owned businesses that rivaled Manhattan's Wall Street.

Yet this story of triumph and resilience was tragically short-lived, as the thriving Black business district would be violently destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, where mobs of White residents attacked Black residents and businesses causing immeasurable loss of lives, property, and hope. The heinous violence and destruction wiped-out dreams, courageously orchestrated enterprises, and lasting legacies within a span of 24 hours.

Despite the horrific events, the community's invincible spirit exemplified their resilience, and Black Wall Street was rebuilt. The Legacy of Black Wall Street narrates this remarkable resilience and courage; the aftermath of the massacre and the story of its reconstruction, deeply interconnected to the history and experiences of African Americans as a whole.

The show not only focuses on the history but weaves in powerful narratives of the modern descendants of the Greenwood District. It represents a journey into the past with a progressive exploration of the present, it puts forth an unabashed portrayal of systemic racism, economic inequities and draws undeniable parallels between the racial violence that waged a century ago and the social challenges Black Americans face today.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street is an elaborate celebration of Black resiliency, courage, ingenuity and collective power. It focusses on how the once flourishing community was erased from the pages of history books and the memory of many Americans, and it confronts the issues of racial and systemic injustices, shedding light on the experience of the people who had to navigate these complex scenarios.

Produced by the renowned talent at Trailblazer Studios, in partnership with Yellow House, and directed by Deborah Riley Draper, this gripping account is brought to life through a stunning amalgamation of historical archives, firsthand accounts, and personal interviews of descendants and history scholars. The series is a powerful and timely examination of race and capitalism in America.

Despite cataloguing an era of terrible violence, The Legacy of Black Wall Street emits hope. It showcases a courageous past and reflects the possibility of a future where systemic inequities can be broken down and promises renewed economic growth. It stands as a testimony to the resilience and fortitude of the African American community and the unrecognized heroes who, in the face of unprecedented acts of racial terror, strive to rise, rebuild and retell their narrative.

In addition to being a poignant history lesson, The Legacy of Black Wall Street shines a bright light on the role of Black people in defining American entrepreneurship, a message that's crucially important in an era where civil rights, racial justice, and economic equity are persistently relevant social concerns. This documentary serves as an essential visual memorial, a dire warning against the repetition of such acts of racial violence, and a call to action for justice, equality, and comprehensive financial reforms.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street is more than a tribute to a lost world. It acknowledges the vibrant history of Black financial empowerment and autonomy, recounts the lessons we must never forget, and is a clarion call to the future where racial wealth gaps are eliminated, and equity and inclusivity aren't just dreams, but realities. After watching, audiences will feel a greater sense of connection to American history, understanding of racial justice, and a heightened compassion for the enduring struggle for equality.