How to Walk the Black Wall Street Historic District

The Black Wall Street Historic District, located in the Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, stands as one of the most significant landmarks in African American history. Once known as “the Negro Wall Street” for its extraordinary concentration of Black-owned businesses, wealth, and self-sufficiency in the early 20th century, this district symbolizes both the triumph of entrepreneurial spirit and the devastating impact of racial violence. Today, walking through this historic district is not merely a tour—it is an act of remembrance, education, and reverence. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to experience the Black Wall Street Historic District with depth, respect, and historical accuracy. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, a traveler seeking meaningful experiences, or a descendant of those who lived through this era, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to engage with the site meaningfully.

The importance of this walk extends beyond tourism. It is a pilgrimage to a place where Black excellence was built, destroyed, and reborn. By walking these streets, you honor the resilience of a community that refused to be erased. This guide is designed to help you navigate the physical landscape, interpret the stories embedded in the architecture, understand the broader historical context, and connect with the living legacy of Greenwood. It is not a casual stroll—it is an immersive journey through time, trauma, and triumph.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Plan Your Visit with Historical Context

Before stepping onto the streets of Greenwood, take time to understand the historical backdrop. The Black Wall Street of the early 1900s was home to over 100 Black-owned businesses—including banks, hotels, restaurants, theaters, law offices, and newspapers—built entirely by African Americans during the Jim Crow era. At its peak, the district generated an estimated $30 million in today’s dollars in annual economic activity. This prosperity was shattered on June 1–2, 1921, when a white mob, incited by false accusations and sensationalized media, attacked Greenwood, burning over 1,200 homes and businesses, killing an estimated 300 people, and leaving thousands homeless.

Research key figures such as O.W. Gurley, who purchased 40 acres of land in 1906 and laid the foundation for Greenwood’s development; John P. Williams, who co-founded the Tulsa Star newspaper; and B.C. Franklin, the lawyer who documented the destruction and helped rebuild the district. Familiarize yourself with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre through reputable sources like the Oklahoma Historical Society or the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Commission Report. This background transforms your walk from a visual tour into a narrative experience.

Step 2: Choose the Right Time and Season

The best time to walk the Black Wall Street Historic District is during daylight hours, ideally between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the district is most active and the visitor centers are open. Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making for a more reflective experience. Avoid visiting during extreme heat in July or August unless you are prepared with water, sun protection, and frequent breaks.

Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend tour groups and enjoy a more intimate connection with the sites. Early morning walks allow you to experience the quiet solemnity of the district before the noise of daily life resumes. If you are visiting around May 31 or June 1, the anniversary of the massacre, you may encounter commemorative events, candlelight vigils, or educational programs that deepen your understanding.

Step 3: Begin at the Greenwood Cultural Center

Your walk begins at the Greenwood Cultural Center, located at 222 N. Greenwood Ave. This modern facility, opened in 1994, serves as both a museum and community hub. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibits on African American art, music, and history, with a permanent display dedicated to the 1921 massacre. The center’s staff are knowledgeable and often available to answer questions or provide printed walking maps.

Take 20–30 minutes here to watch the short documentary “The Burning of Black Wall Street” and read the survivor testimonies displayed on the walls. Pay attention to the names of businesses that once stood where you now stand: Stradford Hotel, Diamond Bakery, M.B. Cattle Company, and the Tulsa Star newspaper office. These names are not relics—they are echoes of a thriving economy.

Step 4: Walk North on Greenwood Avenue

Exit the Cultural Center and walk north on Greenwood Avenue, the spine of the historic district. As you walk, notice the street’s width and the spacing between buildings—this was designed to accommodate horse-drawn carriages and later automobiles, reflecting the district’s modernity for its time. The buildings you see today are largely reconstructions or repurposed structures from the post-massacre era, but their placement follows the original layout.

Stop at the intersection of Greenwood and Archer Street. This was the heart of the commercial district. Look for the Greenwood Rising History Center (opened in 2021), a state-of-the-art museum located on the site of the former Stratford Hotel. The museum’s architecture—glass and steel with symbolic red accents representing the bloodshed—offers a powerful contrast to the past. Inside, interactive exhibits, survivor interviews, and augmented reality reconstructions of the pre-1921 skyline allow you to “see” what was lost.

Continue walking north. At 211 N. Greenwood, you’ll find the site of the Tulsa Star newspaper office. Though the original building was burned to the ground, a historical marker now stands in its place. Read the plaque aloud: “Here stood the Tulsa Star, a Black newspaper that reported truth during a time of lies.” The Star was one of the few publications that challenged white supremacy in Tulsa, and its destruction was intentional.

Step 5: Visit the John P. Williams Building and the M.B. Cattle Company Site

Continue to 208 N. Greenwood, where the John P. Williams Building once stood. Williams was a pharmacist and entrepreneur who supplied medicine to the Black community when white pharmacies refused to serve them. A plaque now marks the location. Nearby, at 101 N. Greenwood, the M.B. Cattle Company—owned by M.B. “Buddy” Murrell—was one of the largest Black-owned livestock businesses in the region. Today, a small garden and bench honor this legacy.

Take a moment to reflect on the self-reliance these businesses represented. In a segregated society, Black residents had no choice but to build their own institutions. Greenwood was not just a neighborhood—it was a parallel economy, built out of necessity and sustained by collective will.

Step 6: Explore the African American Heritage Museum and the Fire Station Site

At 122 N. Greenwood, the African American Heritage Museum (operated by the Tulsa Historical Society) offers deeper archival material, including photographs, personal letters, and legal documents from the massacre trials. Many of these materials were suppressed for decades. The museum’s curator-led tours (available by appointment) are highly recommended for those seeking a more scholarly experience.

Just south of here, at the corner of Greenwood and Detroit Avenue, stands the site of the former Greenwood Fire Station. Remarkably, the all-Black fire department attempted to save homes from the flames on June 1, 1921. They were met with gunfire from white mobs. A small memorial fountain now stands at this intersection. Kneel and read the inscription: “They came to save. They were shot for trying.”

Step 7: Walk to the Memorial Park and the 1921 Massacre Gravesite

At the northern end of Greenwood Avenue, turn right onto Archer Street and walk two blocks to the Tulsa Race Massacre Memorial Park. This 12-acre park, dedicated in 2021, features a 30-foot-tall obelisk engraved with the names of known victims, a wall of remembrance, and a reflecting pool. The park is designed to be a place of quiet contemplation. Sit on one of the benches and listen. The wind carries the silence of what was lost.

Adjacent to the park is the unmarked gravesite where many victims of the massacre were buried in mass graves—some still unaccounted for. Archaeological work continues to identify remains. Do not walk on the grassy areas marked with caution tape. This is sacred ground. Respect the boundaries. Place a flower or a note if you wish, but do so quietly.

Step 8: End at the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park

Exit the Memorial Park and walk south on Archer Street to 101 E. Archer. Here lies the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, named after the late historian and Tulsa native who spent his life documenting the massacre. The park features a series of 12 bronze sculptures depicting scenes from the massacre and its aftermath: a mother shielding her child, a doctor treating the wounded, a group of men carrying a coffin, a woman reading a newspaper with the headline “Negroes Burned Alive.”

The park’s centerpiece is the “Wall of Tears,” a curved stone wall inscribed with the words: “We are here because we are still here.” This is your final stop. Sit, reflect, and write down one thing you learned or felt during your walk. The park is open until dusk, and the evening lighting transforms the sculptures into haunting silhouettes.

Step 9: Visit the Greenwood Art Walk and Local Businesses

Before leaving, take a detour to the Greenwood Art Walk, a series of murals painted on the sides of modern buildings that depict the district’s history. Artists from across the country have contributed pieces honoring the resilience of Greenwood. Look for “The Dream of Greenwood” by Tanya G. Johnson and “Rise Again” by Malik S. Carter. These are not just decorations—they are acts of reclamation.

Support local Black-owned businesses still operating in Greenwood today: Greenwood Coffee Co., Legacy Bookstore, and Flourish Bakery. Buying a coffee or a book here is more than a transaction—it’s an investment in the ongoing legacy of Black economic empowerment.

Step 10: Reflect and Document Your Experience

After your walk, find a quiet space—a café, a bench, or even your hotel room—and write down your thoughts. What surprised you? What moved you? What questions remain? Consider sharing your reflections on social media with the hashtag

WalkGreenwood or writing a letter to a friend or family member. Documentation turns personal experience into collective memory.

Many visitors leave with a renewed sense of responsibility. This walk is not about guilt—it is about accountability. Understanding the past is the first step toward building a more just future.

Best Practices

Practice Historical Humility

Do not assume you know the full story. The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre was deliberately erased from textbooks for decades. Even today, many details remain contested. Approach every plaque, every museum exhibit, and every story with humility. Acknowledge that your understanding is incomplete, and be open to learning more.

Respect Sacred Spaces

Many of the sites you visit are gravesites, memorials, or places of trauma. Speak quietly. Do not take selfies in front of the Wall of Tears or the mass grave markers. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior. These are not tourist attractions—they are places of mourning.

Support Black-Owned Businesses

One of the most powerful ways to honor Greenwood’s legacy is to support its living economy. Eat at Black-owned restaurants, shop at Black-owned bookstores, and hire local Black guides. Your dollars help sustain the community that continues to rebuild.

Use Accurate Language

Refer to the event as the “1921 Tulsa Race Massacre,” not the “Tulsa Riot.” The term “riot” implies mutual violence and obscures the fact that this was a one-sided attack by a white mob on a prosperous Black community. Language matters. Use terms that reflect historical truth.

Bring a Notebook or Journal

Write down names, dates, quotes, and your emotional responses. This walk is not meant to be forgotten. Your notes become part of the archive of memory.

Engage with Local Guides

Many descendants of massacre survivors offer guided tours. These are not commercial experiences—they are acts of storytelling passed down through generations. Pay for these tours. They are a form of reparative labor.

Do Not Treat This as a “Photo Op”

There will be moments that feel cinematic—the murals, the obelisk, the sunset over the park. Resist the urge to take photos just for likes. Ask yourself: “Am I here to witness, or to perform?” Your presence should be intentional.

Educate Others

After your visit, share what you learned. Talk to friends, post on social media, recommend the district to others. Silence perpetuates erasure. Your voice can help ensure this history is never forgotten again.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps and Digital Tools

Greenwood Walking Tour App – Developed by the Tulsa Historical Society, this free app provides GPS-triggered audio narratives at each key site. It includes survivor interviews, historical photos, and maps. Available on iOS and Android.

Google Earth Historical Layers – Use the 1921 satellite overlay to compare the pre-massacre layout of Greenwood with today’s streetscape. This visual contrast is startling and powerful.

1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Digital Archive – Hosted by the University of Oklahoma, this open-access database includes court transcripts, newspaper clippings, census records, and personal diaries. Ideal for deeper research.

Recommended Books

“The Burning of Black Wall Street” by Scott Ellsworth – The definitive account of the massacre, based on decades of archival research.

“The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Photographic History” by Karlos K. Hill – A visual chronicle of the destruction and recovery, with commentary from historians and descendants.

“Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic” by Sam Quinones – While not focused on Greenwood, this book offers context on how systemic racism and economic disinvestment shaped communities like Tulsa.

Documentaries and Films

“Tulsa: The Fire and the Forgotten” (2021, HBO) – A powerful, Emmy-nominated documentary featuring interviews with survivors’ descendants and archaeologists.

“The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre” (PBS American Experience) – A comprehensive, well-researched overview with expert analysis.

“Black Wall Street: The Rise and Fall of a Black Utopia” (YouTube, Oklahoma Historical Society) – A 45-minute lecture series available for free.

Museums and Institutions

Greenwood Rising History Center – 211 N. Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK. Open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Greenwood Cultural Center – 222 N. Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK. Open Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

African American Heritage Museum – 122 N. Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK. Open Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (appointments recommended).

John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park – 101 E. Archer, Tulsa, OK. Open 24/7. Free admission.

Online Resources

Official website: www.tulsaracemassacre.org

Greenwood Historical Society: www.greenwoodhistory.org

1921 Massacre Commemoration Council: www.1921tulsa.org

Real Examples

Example 1: A High School Class from Atlanta

In 2022, a history teacher from Atlanta brought her 11th-grade class to Greenwood. Before the trip, students read excerpts from Scott Ellsworth’s book and watched the HBO documentary. During the walk, each student was assigned a historical figure to “become”—researching their life and speaking in first person at each site. One student portrayed B.C. Franklin, describing how he hid his law office documents under his bed as the mob approached. Another portrayed a mother who lost three children in the fire. At the end of the day, students wrote letters to their ancestors. One read: “I didn’t know what courage looked like until I walked where you walked. I promise to tell your story.”

Example 2: A Granddaughter’s Pilgrimage

Marsha Johnson, 68, discovered her great-grandmother had lived in Greenwood and survived the massacre. She had never been told the full story. In 2020, she traveled from Chicago to Tulsa alone. She spent three days walking the district, visiting archives, and sitting quietly at the gravesite. She found a photograph of her great-grandmother in the Tulsa Historical Society’s collection—wearing a dress she had inherited. Marsha now leads annual pilgrimages for descendants and has started a nonprofit to fund DNA testing to identify massacre victims’ relatives.

Example 3: A Japanese Tourist’s Reflection

Yuki Tanaka, a university student from Kyoto, visited Greenwood during a study abroad program. She had studied the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and was struck by the parallels: both were catastrophic events erased from national memory for decades. She wrote a 10-page essay comparing the two, concluding: “History does not disappear because it is buried. It waits—until someone walks the ground and listens.” Her essay was published in a Japanese academic journal and translated into English.

Example 4: A Corporate Team Building Retreat

A tech company from Seattle sent its diversity and inclusion team to Greenwood as part of a leadership retreat. Instead of a typical team-building exercise, they spent two days walking the district, listening to survivor stories, and meeting with local entrepreneurs. One executive said: “We talk about innovation in our boardroom. Here, I saw innovation born out of oppression. We have a responsibility to build equity, not just profit.” The company later pledged $500,000 to Greenwood’s economic development fund.

FAQs

Is the Black Wall Street Historic District safe to visit?

Yes. The district is well-maintained and patrolled. It is a place of healing and education, not danger. Visitors are encouraged to walk during daylight hours and remain aware of their surroundings, as with any urban area.

Do I need to book a tour to walk the district?

No. The district is open to the public, and you can walk independently using the free map provided at the Greenwood Cultural Center. However, guided tours by descendants or historians offer deeper context and are highly recommended.

Are there restrooms and water stations along the route?

Yes. Restrooms are available at the Greenwood Cultural Center, Greenwood Rising, and John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park. Water fountains are located at each major site. Bring a reusable bottle.

Can children visit the district?

Yes. Children as young as 8 can benefit from the experience, especially with guided, age-appropriate materials. The Greenwood Cultural Center offers youth programs and interactive exhibits designed for younger visitors.

Is photography allowed?

Photography is permitted in public areas, but not inside museums without permission. Do not photograph gravesites, memorials, or people without consent. Respect the solemnity of the space.

How long does the walk take?

The full walking route takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at a moderate pace. If you include museum visits and reflection time, plan for 5–6 hours.

Are there guided tours in languages other than English?

Some tours offer Spanish and Japanese translations by appointment. Contact the Greenwood Cultural Center in advance to arrange.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water in warm months. In cooler months, layer your clothing. Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans or symbols.

Can I bring food or drinks?

Yes, but please dispose of trash properly. Do not eat near memorials or gravesites. There are several Black-owned cafes and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal after your walk.

What if I feel emotional or overwhelmed?

It is normal. Many visitors experience grief, anger, or sadness. Take a break. Sit on a bench. Breathe. The district is designed to evoke emotion. You are not alone in feeling this way. There are counselors available at the Greenwood Cultural Center if you need to talk.

Conclusion

Walking the Black Wall Street Historic District is not a passive activity. It is an act of reclamation, a quiet rebellion against historical erasure. Every step you take along Greenwood Avenue echoes with the footsteps of entrepreneurs who dared to dream in a world that told them they had no right to. Every plaque you read, every mural you admire, every name you learn—these are fragments of a story that was nearly lost.

This guide has provided you with the structure, the tools, and the context to walk with intention. But the most important tool you carry is your willingness to listen. To listen to the silence between the words on the plaques. To listen to the stories your guide tells. To listen to the voices of those who are no longer here but whose legacy lives in the soil, the bricks, and the hearts of those who remember.

The Black Wall Street Historic District is not a monument to the past. It is a living testament to the power of community, the endurance of dignity, and the possibility of renewal. When you walk here, you do not just observe history—you become part of its continuation. Carry this experience with you. Speak of it. Teach it. Build upon it.

Because the true legacy of Black Wall Street is not in what was destroyed—but in what was rebuilt, again and again, against all odds.