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Black Wall Street

  • 23rd and Jackson Seattle, WA (map)

From the organizer, Africatown Community Land Trust:

Summer of Soul offers an exciting lineup of events celebrating Seattle’s Black culture, history, and community in Seattle’s Central District.

We kick off the series with our Black Wall Street event which celebrates the legacy of the once thriving African American business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through a range of activities and discussions, we will examine the impact of Black Wall Street on the wider Black community and the ongoing struggle for economic justice in Seattle as well as our country.

Black Wall Street was a thriving African American business district in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the early 20th century. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, Black entrepreneurs and community leaders built a prosperous community that included banks, hotels, restaurants, and more.

However, in 1921, this success was tragically cut short when a white mob attacked Black Wall Street, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of businesses and homes and the loss of countless lives.

In commemoration of this history, our Black Wall Street event aims to celebrate the legacy of our vibrant communities and honor the resilience of the people who continue to build vibrant and thriving businesses and communities in spite of the barriers they face that attempt to impede those efforts.

Join us for a an event equally filled with celebration, reflection, and inspiration as we honor the legacy of Black Wall Street and work towards building a brighter future for Black Seattle.

Whether you're a long-time resident of Seattle or just visiting, the Summer of Soul series has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with community, celebrate culture, and honor our shared history!