Greenwood Cultural Center

These were taken inside an art gallery museum. Got to see the pictures of Tulsa before, during, and even after the tragedy of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. All started over a false accusation of a white girl claiming rape by black man. Just like Emmet Till. Such an ugly reminder of America's dark past. So many lives lost, businesses destroyed, in just a matter of hours. Over 1400 businesses and homes destroyed, approximately 300 people died, nearly 10,000 people left homeless. I was curious to see how long it took to rebuild. It only took one year to start back. And completed in only 5. After seeing these images, it makes me appreciate my freedom more. Amazing how they survived to keep living. God was with them for sure.

It's a small bit of living history in the historic Greenwood District. There are many photos on the wall, a few artifacts, but it's mostly an event space.

Date of visit: November 24, 2023After finding the Greenwood Rising building mysteriously closed--despite having tour tickets for the day--one of the local business owners suggested we walk down to the Greenwood Cultural Center as it was open today and would allow us to learn more about the area.Unfortunately they were also closed. The doors were locked and despite it being 11 am on a Friday, the place was locked up tight. There was someone doing landscaping in the area, but there were no other signs of life. While some places are closed the day after Thanksgiving, they usually post a sign to let folks know.The mural across from the center was cool, though.

I'm here for the annual Oysters and Ale event put on to benefit Hospice of Green Country. This year tickets were $100 each. Sponsors bring samples of food from their restaurants or provide ale or wine. There's music and a silent auction. We've had a great time, but it's not about the food and drink. A photo of an elderly and frail man and his dog flashed on the screen saying that we helped hospice patients keep their dogs with them. That is worth the $100.

Annual "Oysters and Ale" fund raiser for Hospice of Green Country. Held each year at Greenwood Cultural Center. Good food. Good music. Ale of course and wine. Good cause.

This is a great accompanying experience to Greenwood Rising. I visited with a group so the experience may slightly differ from visiting on your own. It was such an informative space that gave more life to understanding the people, resilience, and strength of Tulsa's Black Street and for the community that endures, albeit a shell of what once was. There are newspaper articles and artifacts all around the center. Perfect for the visitor who likes to reflect quietly or to discuss in smaller groups. I felt such a connection for those reasons. I highly recommend including the Greenwood Cultural Center during your visit of Greenwood.

This isn't a flashy place, but it's overflowing with information about Black Wall Street and it's residents and businesses, as well as the Tulsa race massacre and its aftermath.I knew about Black Wall Street prior to visiting here, but this really made those people come alive. I learned about indigenous people and how they helped shelter black people & the enslaved. I learned about shop keepers, grocery store owners, doctors, lawyers, and more. It was so poignant.There is a lot of reading, but every piece of information is important and heart-wrenching, and we must face these types of events to move forward as an equitable society.Greenwood and Black Wall Street are very walkable. The cultural center and Greenwood Rising are only about a block or so apart.Greenwood also has plaques along the sidewalks to show you where each business was. So many businesses were destroyed. The magnitude of this event can't be overstated.The cultural center has tours, and I plan to go back to do a tour and spend more time there. A couple of hours just isn't enough.The center is free to enter and also has event spaces. I want to explore the outside fountain and sculptures more.There is a beautiful mural and some moving monuments outside.Everyone should see this. It matters.

Although I did not go inside the cultural center,all a visitor has to do is stand in the middle of the parking lot and scan the area. You will notice the incredibly beautiful, black, Wall Street, mural, mount Vernon, AME church, which is one of the few buildings left, standing after the massacre. If you scan further, you see the cultural center itself and some wonderful black granite memorials, noting financial damages I incurred by its residents and names of the people who lost their lives. It is a sobering just to stand and take care n the surroundings . unfortunately the silence of the area is interrupted by the fact that they built at I244 right through the Greenwood District and Black Wall Street, However even this intrusion will not diminish the sanctity of this location

So much history in one place. I'm thankful for the opportunity to witness progress, yet I'm very aware that more work needs to be completed to bring equality for all. I've attended events at the site, protests, parties, weddings, reception and other outdoor events. It's a testament to what African Americans can achieve working together. We need more liked minded young and old, men and women working toward unity to reach the vision for equality. I'm proud of my heritage and this location boasts of what was and what can be achieved and accomplished again!

This was an outstanding community organized exhibit focusing on the Tulsa Massacre at Black Wall Street. I would recommend going here first before also going to the newer Greenwood Riding Museum.