Goals

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce’s $10 million capital and capacity-building campaign to mobilize a new era of impact includes three components: preservation, engagement & action, and commemoration & sustainability.

1. Preserve the Treasure ($6,000,000)

Reinforce the urban design features, and community institutions that have created the Greenwood Business District, using building preservation, adaptive re-use of historic structures and other types of commemorative actions.

• Restore the Original Edifices

Renovate the remaining edifices of the Greenwood Commercial District.  The campaign will fund the restoration of 10 buildings, exterior masonry, windows, HVAC systems, internal physical spaces and more.

• Create Educational and Community Spaces

Redevelop the Greenwood Welcome Center and expand multi-use spaces for educational and community programming.

• Interpret New Stories

Use state-of-the-art technology and current museum practices to develop an exhibition and gallery space to explore and interpret the history of the Greenwood Commercial District.

 

2. Engage Ideas & Action ($1,500,000)

Coined “Negro Wall Street” by Booker T. Washington in the early 1900’s, the Greenwood Commercial District was developed as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and social equity. It is time to inspire new audiences through education and engagement to garner grassroot support, bolster advocacy, efforts and expand impact.

• Invest in Proactive Partnerships

An Economic Action Fund will create partnerships with community groups, business owners and other stakeholders to develop and implement strategies that will equitably address and advance the needs of the district’s entrepreneurs and others seeking economic opportunity. The Black Wall Street Bridge Fund will provide sustainable support to local partner institutions including the Greenwood Cultural Center, Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and a fully funded grant program to provide support to other local projects and organizations. There will also be a special fund administered by the Red Cross to assist Tulsa-based small-business owners during a local, national or global crisis.

• Launch Tour Program

Trained volunteer docents will provide regular tours of the district to engage visitors and locals with the history of the district. These tours will increase public awareness of the history, cultivate new advocates and provide a critical revenue stream.

• Sponsor “The Bridge” Public Art Space

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce will seek local and national artists for a commissioned art project located near the east anchor of the commercial district that will showcase the history of Black Wall Street from its early beginnings to today.

 

3. Commemorate and Sustain ($2,500,000)

Observe and interpret the historical significance of the Greenwood Business District 1906-1921. Plan for long-term capital needs and prepare for periods of economic uncertainty, reserve funds will be set aside and unrestricted. A set of policies and board procedures will govern the expenditure of these funds for limited purposes.

• Ensure Ongoing Capital Support of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce

Funds will be earmarked for on-going capital projects to maintain the district.  These funds make pro-active maintenance possible even in lean years and protect against major capital crises or the deferral of important projects. Support existing small businesses and generate new businesses to produce continuous economic activity in Greenwood Business District.

• Protect Historic Black Wall Street Easements

The Greenwood Chamber holds ten façade preservation easements.  It is the organization’s responsibility to ensure the proper care of these historic properties.

• Support Preservation Programming

Accept the challenge of strengthening the Greenwood Commercial District’s cultural, public service, and economic systems by drawing on the cooperation, commitment, leadership, and resources that have sustained the community in the past.  This leads to more effective organization and partnership relationships in which members of the community can be empowered to carry out many revitalization initiatives independently.

• Centennial Commemoration

Observe the significance of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and the economic excellence of Black Wall Street through a series of educational and community outreach events that examine the impact and support the future growth of African American businesses local, nationally and globally.