Spun Polyester Lumbar Pillow (Black Wall Street)

“Black Wall Street” refers to the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the United States during the early 20th century12. This neighborhood was known for its affluent black entrepreneurs and residents who created a self-sufficient enclave with a thriving economy.

The term “Black Wall Street” was coined due to the wealth generated in Greenwood and its comparison to Wall Street in New York City. The district boasted over 300 black-owned businesses, including banks, hotels, cafes, clothiers, movie theaters, and more2. It was a symbol of black economic success and resilience.

However, this prosperity came to a tragic end with the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, when a white mob attacked the community. Over 1,400 homes and businesses were burned, and nearly 10,000 people were left homeless2. Despite the devastation, the residents of Greenwood worked to rebuild their community, showing remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity.

The history of Black Wall Street is a poignant reminder of both the potential for African American economic empowerment and the destructive impact of racial violence. It’s an essential part of American history that underscores the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past.