Learning resources

    Discussion Guide

    Talking About Black Wall Street

    Chapter 1: The Birth and Rise of Black Wall Street

    1. Why do you think O.W. Gurley chose to sell his land only to Black buyers?

      Grades 3–5

    2. Greenwood was called "complete" — a person could live their whole life there. What does a community need to be complete?

      Grades 6–8

    3. How did segregation laws both harm Black Tulsans and push them to build their own economy? Can a community's strength come from injustice?

      Grades 9–12

    Chapter 2: The Founders and Business Leaders

    1. Which Greenwood leader would you most like to meet, and what would you ask them?

      Grades 3–5

    2. Loula Williams ran several businesses in a time when few women did. What challenges might she have faced?

      Grades 6–8

    3. J.B. Stradford was born into slavery and became one of Greenwood's wealthiest residents. What does his life tell us about the generation after emancipation?

      Grades 9–12

    Chapter 3: Black-Owned Businesses and Community Wealth

    1. If you opened a business on Greenwood Avenue, what would it be and why?

      Grades 3–5

    2. What does it mean for money to "circulate" in a community? Why does it matter where people spend money?

      Grades 6–8

    3. Historians say Greenwood's success made it a target. Why might a community's achievements provoke resentment?

      Grades 9–12

    Chapter 4: The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921

    1. A false or uncertain story about one elevator ride led to the destruction of a community. What role did newspapers and rumors play?

      Grades 6–8

    2. Some attackers were deputized and armed by city officials, and no one was prosecuted. What does this tell us about justice in 1921?

      Grades 9–12

    3. Why is it important to say plainly when the historical record, like the death toll, is uncertain?

      Grades 9–12

    Chapter 5: Rebuilding Greenwood

    1. The people of Greenwood rebuilt their homes and shops. What does it mean to be resilient?

      Grades 3–5

    2. Insurance companies refused to pay and the city offered no help. How did residents rebuild anyway?

      Grades 6–8

    3. Greenwood's later decline came from desegregation, urban renewal and a highway. Compare these slower forces with the sudden violence of 1921.

      Grades 9–12

    Chapter 6: The Legacy of Black Wall Street Today

    1. Why do you think the massacre was left out of schools for so long? Who benefits when history is hidden?

      Grades 6–8

    2. The 2001 commission recommended reparations, but none were paid by the state. What do you think a community is owed after such a loss?

      Grades 9–12

    3. How can people today honor the memory of Black Wall Street?

      All grades