BLACK WALL STREET

In 1921, in a small community in Tulsa, Oklahoma of Blacks, Indians, and Jews carved out a vibrant economic community for themselves and a place in history. Some of the Blacks who happened to settle on oil rich land became incredibly wealthy. So wealthy, in fact, that the town was soon known as Black Wall Street. In a mere 36 block section of town, these African-Americans owned and operated up to 600 thriving businesses. In honor of the community's 20th anniversary, the town's more influential citizens gathered to have their pictures taken for the local newspaper at one of the most popular of these businesses - Old Lady Boleys' restaurant where the play begins and tragically ends. Within a 12 hour period the entire community of Greenwood is completely burned to the ground and a major Black economic movement is halted.