Tulsa, Our New Home Base
Last week, I found myself walking the historic streets of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as Black Wall Street. This community, is marked by both the tragedy of the 1921 massacre and celebrated for its resilient spirit. It was truly an honor to visit and Tulsa will become a regular destination for me and our company. Nothing short of inspiring.
Going Back Tulsa
When I started at Greenwood (the digital version) in the summer of last year, we labeled our turnaround strategy as “Going Back to Tulsa”, replicating the dynamics of the original Greenwood digitally:
- Trusted Financial Services: Black-owned banks and financial institutions provided tailored services including savings accounts, loans, and investment opportunities, fostering financial inclusion and wealth-building in the community.
- Black Dollar Re-Circulation: The thriving business district featured hundreds of Black-owned enterprises, allowing wealth to circulate within the community approximately 36 to 100 times, reinforcing local economic independence.
- Financial Literacy: Education was prioritized through schools, churches, and social organizations that offered financial education programs, empowering community members with essential knowledge for economic advancement.
Connecting the Digital to the Original
However, I realized on this trip, that something critical was missing about our execution: that our work cannot not just be in the form of building a digital financial platform, but that our work must include establishing a deep, structural and physical tie to the original Greenwood in Tulsa Oklahoma. That we have to have a special connection with Tulsa, one of made up of community building, opportunity, and advocacy. Going forward we will intertwine our digital financial platform with the vibrancy of today’s Greenwood.
I’m also excited to announce that we will be moving our headquarters from Atlanta, Georgia, to Greenwood, Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is LONG overdue. This is first step of many initiatives that we will be rolling out to deepen connecting the digital to the original. More coming!
Tulsa’s Infectious Vibe
Today’s Greenwood in Tulsa buzzes with an infectious energy, driven by a burgeoning startup and business scene that is redefining economic vibrancy. I’ve been doing startups for decades and the energy coming from the folks I talked with, was like nothing I;’ve seen before.
Entrepreneurs and community leaders here are not merely rebuilding — they are crafting a new vision of what a thriving economic hub can look like, energized by the legacy of black entrepreneurship and solidarity that defines this community.
And nothing speaks to this energy and resilience like Angela Robinson, the owner of Black Wall Street Corner Store & More — Greenwood’s modern-day bodega. Hearing Angela’s story and the fight and determination in her voice to never stop was nothing short of inspiring. Yes, she wants to make money, but the economics of her store are just measured in units of profitability, but in units of community and legacy. I couldn’t resist purchasing a couple of cast-iron pictures and a beautifully crafted bracelet from her store — products that symbolize the spirit of Greenwood.
I also visited Fulton Street Books & Coffee, owned by Onikah Asamoa-Caesar, whose focus on community and representation in literature offers a little bit of cultural haven. Located next to the Greenwood Rising exhibit, I had most of my meetings on Friday at the coffee shop and was able to get a picture of her, along with Ray’chel Wilson, a Tulsa entrepreneur and financial literacy educator and hear how she’s building her company and helping those in the community overcome financial trauma and gain control of their finances.
Living in Seattle, I can appreciate a great coffee shop, but the vibe and flow of this shop felt unique. As I talked with the Barista about the shop, she quickly said, hey you need to read this book “A Great Moral and Social Force: A history of Black Banks”. I was sure, and then she said, take it and bring back when you return. That doesn’t happen in Seattle. And the best part, Onikah is a current Greenwood customer!
Black Tech Street Brings Microsoft Millions to Tulsa
The winner for the most energy: Black Tech Street Founder & Executive Director Tyrance Billingsley. He hosted a session with probably 100+ people, walking through the logistic and program details of Microsoft’s multi-million-dollar investment in an AI and cybersecurity lab right in the heart of Tulsa. This is a MASSIVE win for the community and a MASSIVE validation of the potential of this community.
This initiative is among a select few by Microsoft in the world, and is a testament to the high potential Microsoft sees in Greenwood. Such an investment isn’t made lightly and speaks volumes about the innovation and potential that Greenwood holds.
Picture courtesy of Partner Tusla Website https://partnertulsa.org/community-partner-profile-how-black-tech-street-is-building-the-blueprint-for-empowering-communities-in-ai/
Partner Tulsa and The Mayor’s Vision
I had some amazing conversations with the team at Partner Tulsa. Garry Clark, Jr., CEO of Partner Tulsa, and Jonathan Sanders, their Economic Development Manager, in particular and getting to know them an hear their plans for growth.
An unexpected highlight was meeting Tulsa’s newly elected mayor, Mayor Monroe Nichols IV. His vision and perspective on the city’s future and his dedication to inclusive growth left me fired up. As Tulsa’s first Black mayor, his leadership is pivotal at a time when the Black community makes up a small fraction of the city’s population, yet its cultural and economic contributions remain deeply woven into Tulsa’s history and future. And his commitment is not just on driving the future, but on addressing the lasting scars of the 1921 Massacre. Moving forward with legacy.
Crutcher Family Foundation
One of the most moving moments of my visit to Greenwood was a dinner with Dr. Tiffany Crutcher and Billy White, of the Terence Crutcher Foundation. This was not just a meal; it was an enlightening experience that offered a window into the soul of a community striving for justice and reconciliation.
Dr. Crutcher, whose lineage is intricately tied to the historic fabric of Greenwood, shared stories of her family’s legacy and the indelible scars left by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. This personal connection to the massacre makes Dr. Crutcher’s advocacy not just a professional commitment but a deeply personal crusade.
The conversation delved into her vision for the future — a future where justice serves as the cornerstone of community healing. Dr. Crutcher spoke passionately about the need for systemic changes in the community and how communities of color are policed and represented in the halls of power. Her work, fueled by the tragic loss of her twin brother Terence at the hands of a police officer, is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles against racial injustice and inequality.
Dr. Crutcher’s resolve to transform personal loss into a catalyst for broad societal change was inspiring. It was clear that her advocacy is a beacon for many in Greenwood and beyond, guiding efforts to heal and build a just society. This dinner was a vivid reminder that behind the headlines and statistics are real people with stories of loss and resilience, dreams and determination.
History Lesson
Kode Ranson, Historian: Kode’s journey into history was driven by a desire to uncover and disseminate the truths often left out of mainstream narratives. His expertise extends beyond academic research; he is a storyteller who brings the vibrant, albeit tumultuous, history of Black Wall Street to life through engaging talks and educational programs. Going through pictures and hearing the back stories was amazing. He went into the impact of Urban Renewal…wow! I could have listened for hours!
Kode Ranson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koderansom/
Rounding Out My Trip
Tre Baker: As the Managing Director of the Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator, Tre Baker is instrumental in fostering startup talent and innovation. His extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor drives his commitment to uplifting the community through technology.
Peter Mullen, Director of Venture and Tech Banking at Regent Bank. Over coffee, Peter shared his vision for supporting Tulsa’s growing tech scene and rolls of Banking as a service providers play and FinTech business models and how we at Greenwood plan to plug into the ecosystem.
Paul E. Johnson, Senior Vice President of Corporate Banking and we talked about growth and the roles that traditional banks can play.
Tyler Coretz, President of AMTRA Capital Partners, was super cool. Loved hearing about his family’s multi-generational commitment to Tulsa.
Isaiah Coleman: Isaiah Coleman, Director of CDFI Friendly Tulsa, champions economic inclusion by enhancing access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. His strategic efforts are crucial for creating equitable economic opportunities.
Charles Wilkes: A descendant of Cherokee Nation Freedmen and 1921 massacre survivors, Charles Wilkes is campaigning for a seat in Cherokee Nation’s District 5. His candidacy aims to bridge historical awareness with proactive community development.
Kuma Roberts: As President of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce and and Donald Rose Chief of Staff shared the history and nuances of the community to help us navigate our path forward.
And lastly, I want to thank Robert Thomas, at West River Group and extend a very special thank you to Lawrence Watkins, who acted as my chaperone and tour guide throughout my visit. Laurence went well out of his way, scheduling meetings and shuttling me to and fro across the city. Without his generous assistance, many of these meaningful connections would not have been possible
Conclusion
My visit to Greenwood was far more than a simple trip; it was a profound experience that reinforced our mission to integrate the resilience and spirit of Greenwood into every facet of our work.
You see the real story of Tulsa isn’t just the massacre, it’s the resilience of the community to rebuild from the massacre, through Urban Renewal, to its revival today. Greenwood is a story of resilience, community and the outcome of what happens when the Black community and its dollars work together.
So as we prepare to unveil new initiatives that connect our digital advancements with Greenwood’s historic roots, I am reminded of the powerful impact we can achieve together. Stay tuned for exciting developments as we continue to collaborate with Greenwood’s incredible leaders and innovators, elevating this historic community to new heights.
