Greenwood, a historic freedom colony in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was one of the most prominent concentrations of Black businesses during the early 20th century. According to 1920 city directories, there were 108 Black business establishments, including two newspapers, 41 groceries and meat markets and 30 cafes and restaurants. There were also offices for 33 professionals, including 15 physicians and attorneys serving the nearly 10,000 residents. In addition, Greenwood had clothing stores, funeral parlors, billiard halls, hotels, barbershops, hairdressers, shoemakers, tailors, nightclubs and two movie theaters. By 1920, there 22 churches and the community was a center for jazz and blues music – it was the place where a young Count Basie first encountered big-band jazz. The schools in Greenwood were described as exceptional compared to those in the other areas of town and the community was economically more advanced than many communities throughout the nation. Join us for a dynamic discussion as we revisit this flourishing community.
Contributors:
- Eric Kearney, President & CEO of Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber
- Tammy L. Kernodle, Distinguished Professor of Music at Miami University
- Holly McGee, Associate Professor of History at the University of Cincinnati
- William Menefield, Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of Iowa
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