PROJECT TYPE: Promotional Fundraising Video

In 1906, a successful African American named O.W. Gurley came to Tulsa during the land run and purchased 40 acres of land. Once Oklahoma officially became a state in 1907, Senate Bill One passed which swept the state with strict segregation laws including where black people could live, shop or exist. Tulsa’s economy and population continued to grow with the oil boom. Gurley dreamed of creating a self-sustainable environment for Tulsa’s black community constructed by their own hands and visions. Built out of necessity, the Greenwood District was established and black entrepreneurs and dreamers came to develop their own businesses and were encouraged to grow their family wealth. Through these individuals hard work, the district became known as Black Wall Street and by 1921 it was one of the wealthiest Black communities in the U.S. - until tragically destroyed by a white-mob in the Tulsa Race Massacre 100 years ago on may 31, 1921. 

Today Drexel Academy, a school serving minority students and families in North Tulsa, is bringing back the vision of Black Wall Street by embodying that entrepreneurial spirit in the classroom. For so long Oklahoma has erased the history of the Greenwood District and Black Wall Street from their educational system. Drexel Academy is trying to change that and close the achievement gap by empowering their students to actualize their dreams through education and community.

This campaign raised $1.5 million

Learn more about how you can support Drexel Academy by visiting their website www.drexelacademy.org