Business
How much of your history do you know? Today’s guest really made me question the history I was taught throughout my education (and I’m a history major). During my time at Duke University, I took a myriad of classes focusing on the progressive era of the United States. This is during the turn of the 20th century through the 1920s. An aspect of this history I find so interesting is Negro history during the time. There seemed to be an abundance of African-American commerce and business. A huge example of this is the Harlem Renaissance. Harlem wasn’t the only pocket of African-American prosperity during the height of Jim Crow America. In fact, many would argue it’s not even the wealthiest. Tulsa, Oklahoma is arguably the center of black commerce at the turn of the last century. Over thirty-six square blocks showcased black wealth through its myriad of black owned barbershops, theaters, restaurants, and dry cleaners. Black people donned the latest fashions of the time and driving seemingly newfangled contraptions such as a car. The wealth exuded in Tulsa earned the nickname Black Wall Street. However, on June 1st, 1921, racial tension peaked as whites set ablaze the entire district, causing death, and total destruction, and trauma lasting for generations. This single event is the largest race massacre in our history. Mechelle Brown of the Greenwood Cultural Center in Tula and the ultimate Black Wall Street expert guides us on telling this story of African-American prosperity and wealth during a peak of oppression. In this interview I want to you to pay attention to: ✅The emotion and pride of African-Americans during this period. ✅How and why black people migrated to Tulsa at the end of the Civil War. ✅The importance of perseverance and grit in achieving your goals. I am so grateful to have Mechelle on the podcast. I learned so much and I know you will too. Check out the Greenwood Cultural Center Here. Ready to Start Investing in the Stock Market? Learn to invest with this FREE investing course here.