Greenwood Rising

Greenwood Rising

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by telling the truth.Dr. King reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe...
01/19/2026

Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by telling the truth.

Dr. King reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” That bend does not happen on its own—it requires courage, honesty, and a willingness to confront history as it truly is.

At Greenwood Rising, we believe remembering is an act of justice. Sharing the full truth of our past—including the stories that were silenced—creates space for healing, accountability, and meaningful progress. Dr. King’s legacy calls us not only to dream, but to act: to educate, to challenge systems of injustice, and to ensure history is neither forgotten nor repeated.

On this MLK Day, we recommit ourselves to truth-telling, community, and the work of building a more just future—together.

Come celebrate with us at the Tulsa MLK Parade.Greenwood Rising will be closed today in observance of Martin Luther King...
01/19/2026

Come celebrate with us at the Tulsa MLK Parade.

Greenwood Rising will be closed today in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We honor Dr. King’s legacy by reflecting on his call for justice, truth, and collective action. While our doors are closed, we hope to see you out in the community as we celebrate his life, legacy, and the ongoing work toward equity and unity at the Tulsa MLK Parade.

Join us as we continue to rise, together.

Today, we honor the birth and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Dr. King challenged the nation to confront in...
01/15/2026

Today, we honor the birth and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King challenged the nation to confront injustice with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth. His words continue to guide our work as we preserve history, elevate voices, and inspire future generations to lead with purpose.

As Dr. King reminded us:

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

On this day, we celebrate not only his life, but the responsibility his legacy places on all of us—to act, to remember, and to rise together.

Happy Birthday, Dr. King. Your vision continues to light the way

01/14/2026

What does history feel like through the eyes of a child?

In this video interview, a young visitor shares their experience stepping into Greenwood through VR. It’s more than learning facts—it’s seeing, feeling, and understanding history in a powerful, personal way.

This is Greenwood through a child’s eyes—where curiosity meets truth, and history becomes real.

✨ Membership Update | New Benefit Coming January 2026 ✨We’re excited to share that Greenwood Rising has officially joine...
01/11/2026

✨ Membership Update | New Benefit Coming January 2026 ✨

We’re excited to share that Greenwood Rising has officially joined the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association!

Beginning January 2026, Greenwood Rising members will enjoy reciprocal admission benefits at hundreds of cultural institutions across North America that participate in the NARM network—expanding access to history, art, and culture far beyond our walls.

This new benefit reflects our continued commitment to connecting community, preserving legacy, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for our members.

Scan the QR code to learn more about Greenwood Rising memberships, or visit the NARM Association website for full program details.

Become a Greenwood Rising member today and unlock these benefits—and more.

Happy Birthday, John Hope Franklin!Today we celebrate trailblazers like John Hope Franklin, the renowned historian and e...
01/02/2026

Happy Birthday, John Hope Franklin!

Today we celebrate trailblazers like John Hope Franklin, the renowned historian and educator best known for his groundbreaking book From Slavery to Freedom, which reshaped how we understand the Civil War era and the Black struggle in American history. His work continues to connect us to the legacy of the Greenwood District and Black Wall Street—then and now.

We honor his life, his vision, and the path he paved for future generations. Be sure to check out the John Hope Franklin Center in Tulsa to learn more about his incredible legacy!

✨ Membership Update | New Benefit Coming January 2026 ✨We’re excited to share that Greenwood Rising has officially joine...
01/02/2026

✨ Membership Update | New Benefit Coming January 2026 ✨

We’re excited to share that Greenwood Rising has officially joined the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association!

Beginning January 2026, Greenwood Rising members will enjoy reciprocal admission benefits at hundreds of cultural institutions across North America that participate in the NARM network—expanding access to history, art, and culture far beyond our walls.

This new benefit is part of our continued commitment to connecting community, preserving legacy, and creating meaningful cultural experiences for our members.

Scan the QR code to learn more about Greenwood Rising memberships, or visit the NARM Association website for full program details.

12/31/2025

Happy New Year’s Eve from Greenwood Rising!
As we wrap up another remarkable year, we want to take a moment to reflect and give thanks. 2025 has been filled with unforgettable moments—honoring the legacy of Black Wall Street, inspiring the next generation through our new programs, and sharing the powerful stories that continue to shape our community. None of this would be possible without you—our supporters, visitors, and advocates. Your passion and engagement help us continue our mission to preserve history, celebrate excellence, and build a future rooted in innovation, resilience, and community.Here’s to carrying our momentum into 2026, making an even greater impact, and keeping the story of Greenwood alive for generations to come. Thank you for being part of our journey. See you next year!

Merry Christmas from Greenwood Rising!Today, we celebrate a remarkable man whose vision shaped history—Ottawa (O.W.) Gur...
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Greenwood Rising!

Today, we celebrate a remarkable man whose vision shaped history—Ottawa (O.W.) Gurley, born on December 25, 1867, to Roseanna and John Gurley, who were formerly enslaved. Gurley’s journey took him from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Oklahoma, where he participated in the 1893 Oklahoma Land Run and later established himself as a community leader in Perry, Oklahoma.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Gurley resigned from a presidential appointment under President Grover Cleveland to pursue opportunities in Oklahoma. In 1905, he moved to Tulsa and purchased forty acres of land, selling it exclusively to Black settlers. There, he built a grocery store at the corner of Archer Street and Greenwood Avenue—the foundation of the Greenwood District, famously known as Black Wall Street.

But Gurley was more than a businessman. He helped build community infrastructure, founding Vernon AME Church, contributing to a Masonic Lodge, and starting an employment agency to help new residents find work. To maintain order in Greenwood, he was even appointed as a sheriff’s deputy, a rare and notable position at the time. Gurley also provided loans to other Black entrepreneurs, helping the entire district grow and thrive.

Though his businesses were tragically destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, Gurley’s legacy endures—a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of community.

This Christmas, as we celebrate joy and giving, we honor O.W. Gurley’s birthday and his lasting impact on Black history and American history alike.

Happy Birthday, Obie Mann! Today we honor Obie Mann, owner of Mann’s Grocery Store, a true pillar of the Greenwood commu...
12/24/2025

Happy Birthday, Obie Mann!

Today we honor Obie Mann, owner of Mann’s Grocery Store, a true pillar of the Greenwood community. He played a key role in the family grocery business, which served Greenwood for over 40 years. His bravery was evident when he stood with others at City Hall to defend Dick Rowland, showing courage in the face of injustice.

Thank you, Obie Mann, for your leadership, courage, and lasting impact on our community! 🖤

Holiday Hours at Greenwood Rising!!As we move into the Christmas and New Year season, we want to thank you for your incr...
12/21/2025

Holiday Hours at Greenwood Rising!!

As we move into the Christmas and New Year season, we want to thank you for your incredible support throughout the year. Your visits, shares, and love for history help us continue preserving the legacy of Greenwood and Black Wall Street.

If you have friends or family visiting for the holidays and are looking for a meaningful place to explore, we’d love to welcome you to the Greenwood Rising History Center. Step into powerful stories, immersive history, and a place where reflection and inspiration meet.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Greenwood Rising!

12/17/2025

Our top 3 features inside the Virtual Experience barely scratch the surface of what you can uncover. Every room, every artifact, every story is designed to pull you in and make you feel the history for yourself.

Want to see what stands out to you? Discover your own favorite features by trying the Virtual Experience today!

Address

23 N Greenwood Avenue
Tulsa, OK
74120

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10pm - 7pm

Telephone

+15398673173

Website

https://linktr.ee/GreenwoodRisingBWSHS, https://www.greenwoodrising.org/visit#visitor-g

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