SUCCESS THROUGH BLACK WALL STREET SECRETS

Black Wall Street, in Tulsa’s Greenwood District, was a thriving African American community in the early twentieth century. This district’s success was attributed to a number of reasons, including its members’ entrepreneurial spirit and a deep sense of community. Here are some of the secrets of Black Wall Street’s success that may be adapted to today’s success.

Strong Community Ties: Residents of Black Wall Street were extremely supportive of one another, and this sense of community was crucial to their success. They were able to construct a thriving economic ecosystem by cooperating and supporting one another’s businesses.

O.W. Gurley (shown here circa 1921, bottom row, second from left) CREDITS: TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM
O.W. Gurley (shown here circa 1921, bottom row, second from left) CREDITS: TULSA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

Entrepreneurial Spirit: Black Wall Street people were not willing to just work for others; they were driven to create their own possibilities. This enterprising attitude was reflected in the community’s many small businesses, which included grocery stores, beauty salons, and banks.

Financial Literacy: It is essential to know about personal finance and investment in order to succeed. Residents of Black Wall Street recognized the value of saving and investing in their businesses, which enabled them to accumulate fortune over time.

Black Owned Business during Black Wall Street days of Tulsa. CREDITS: GREENWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
Black Owned Business during Black Wall Street days of Tulsa. CREDITS: GREENWOOD CULTURAL CENTER

Education: Personal and communal growth require education. Many Black Wall Street inhabitants placed a great importance on education, and many have gone on to become successful professionals such as physicians, attorneys, educators, and company owners.

This photograph shows a parade held in the Oklahoma neighborhood during the 1930s or '40s. CREDITS: GREENWOOD CULTURAL CENTER
This photograph shows a parade held in the Oklahoma neighborhood during the 1930s or ’40s. CREDITS: GREENWOOD CULTURAL CENTER

Resilience: Black Wall Street experienced several challenges, including prejudice and racism, but the community overcame these obstacles through perseverance and resilience. They never gave up and were continuously seeking for ways to grow and better.

Anyone may attain success in their own life by adopting these same concepts. Building strong community links, cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming financially savvy, valuing education, and being resilient are all critical success factors. It is critical to remember that success is a process, not a destination, and that development requires time and effort. But if we stick to our ideals and work together, we can do incredible things.