HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF BLACK WALL STREET? If not, that is an entire conversation all by itself that you can learn about here in a very interactive & engaging article by the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/05/24/us/tulsa-race-massacre.html
THE NEW BLACK WALL STREET pays homage to those thriving businesses of the early 1900's on Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was said "You could shop for groceries, play pool, take in a theater show, eat dinner or get your hair styled -- without ever leaving the block." Businesses included lawyers, dentists, physicians, dress makers, printers, photographers, notaries, insurance agencies, electricians, realtors, plumbers, tailors, as well as cafés, confectioneries, hotels and newspapers to name a few.
[ THE EXPERIENCE ]
While it is still in early stages and not yet to full potential, it was thrilling to see just how many businesses have committed to this new chapter in Black History. The structure itself was once a Target Store but has been changed on the inside to feel like you are walking down streets and entering shops as if they were their own standalone building. Even the hallways have street signs and names. This is the vision, but as of my visit, it is incomplete. Some businesses have that sort of curbside storefront feel while others seem more like a strip mall or consignment shop. But as Zechariah 4:10 says: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand."
Most of the permanent residents are to the front while temporary businesses just setting up shop for a few weeks or so are in a large open space in the rear. The feel here is more like an open-air City Market. During my visit there was a jewelry maker that was responsible for the necklace of Angela Bassett's regal character in Black Panther. There was plenty of gorgeous art, handbags, lotions, potions, soaps, haircare products, clothing and YES... FOOD! Popcorn, BBQ, cakes, ice cream, po' boys, Jamaican cuisine and juiceries + a radio station broadcasting live.
[ THREE BUSINESSES THAT REALLY STOOD OUT ]
One of my favorite finds was a place called STAR STATUS, home of AFR_letics and Inner Me Healing Crystals & Energy Jewelry. Here I saw a clothing concept unlike anything I've ever seen. The sports-like gear is based on fictional teams that represent someone from history. I NEARLY DIED LAUGHING with delight when I ran across a jacket for Harriet Tubman's Track Stars! Listen, we can't change the past, but I found this little twist a delightful spin on a dark past. After all, who better to coach a cross-country team than Harriet Tubman!!!
Another great business was AD - Artist Demetrius. The talent he has on display here is inspiring. I loved each and every piece, but especially the one paying tribute to Black Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, who collaborated with Andy Warhol in the mid-1980's.
Staci Maxwell has captivating art pieces. She displays black women in the most beautiful of ways with her art, home décor items and gifts. I especially loved the clocks. If this is a fair and just world, there is no way her art won't become nationally recognized. I can't wait to see what else her mind creates: https://www.stacimaxwell.com/
[ MUSIC ]
A large social space on the east side of the building houses a stage where either live musicians or theatrical plays can perform or a base thumping DJ can spin his magic, as was the case when I visited.
[ FINAL THOUGHTS ]
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE ATMOSPHERE!!!
There is joy here, and a strong sense of hope as each business owner greeted me cheerfully and many of the food vendors passed out samples. I'd just eaten prior to arriving (which I regretted after seeing the food selection), but I was motivated to buy some delicious Chicago-Style Popcorn from Chef Tiffinee McGilberry. I also got a Black Currant candle from Veggie Bubbles and hope to return soon for some of her natural skincare products.
I also look forward to adding some art to my home collection, a baseball cap from the vendor selling Negro League Sportwear and of course I MUST find room in my wardrobe for that Tubman Track Star jacket! LOL
Again, this place I'm sure is not where it wants to be just yet, but they are off to a great start!
2022 / 48
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