By Phillip W. Dunn, Founder of the Black Business Focus Group
As I reflect on the legacy of Black Wall Street, I’m reminded of the incredible power we hold when we come together as a community. Over 100 years ago, the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, stood as a shining example of what’s possible when Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and families build, invest, and circulate wealth within our own community.
Known as “Black Wall Street,” Greenwood was more than a neighborhood; it was a thriving economic ecosystem. Black dollars stayed within the community, circulating nearly 19 times before leaving, fueling businesses, education, and innovation. This wasn't just economics—it was empowerment.
Yet, in 1921, systemic racism erupted in violence, destroying Black Wall Street in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Homes and businesses were burned to the ground, and with them, a blueprint for sustainable Black economic independence was shattered.
But while Greenwood’s physical structures were destroyed, its spirit of resilience never was. That spirit lives on today—in every Black entrepreneur pursuing their dreams, every community initiative fighting for equity, and every Black business advocate working to close the wealth gap. It’s this legacy that inspires the work we do every day at the Black Business Focus Group.
Connecting Greenwood to the BBFG
When I founded the Black Business Focus Group in 2015, it was with the belief that we can reignite that same spirit of collective empowerment. Black Wall Street showed us the importance of building together, and today, BBFG is carrying that torch forward.
Our community isn’t just about networking or sharing resources—it’s about creating an ecosystem where Black businesses can thrive. Since our inception, we’ve collectively circulated over $2 million among Black-owned businesses. This is proof of what happens when we move with intention and purpose.
Like the entrepreneurs of Greenwood, we understand the importance of keeping our dollars circulating within our community. We know that every dollar spent with a Black-owned business is a vote for economic equity. But we also recognize that today’s challenges are different, and that’s why BBFG is here to support our members in navigating them.
Lessons From Black Wall Street
Economic Unity is Strength Black Wall Street’s success came from its ability to foster collaboration and collective growth. Similarly, BBFG serves as a hub where Black entrepreneurs and professionals can connect, collaborate, and support one another.
Resilience is in Our DNA Just as the residents of Greenwood worked tirelessly to rebuild their community after 1921, we too must remain steadfast in the face of challenges. Whether it’s navigating systemic barriers or bouncing back from economic downturns, resilience is our foundation.
The Power of Innovation Greenwood’s entrepreneurs were visionaries who turned segregation into an opportunity to build something extraordinary. Today, BBFG encourages our members to embrace innovation—leveraging technology, e-commerce, and creative strategies to scale their businesses in a global economy.
The Role of The BBFG Today
The Black Business Focus Group exists to build on the lessons of the past while charting a path forward. We provide resources, mentorship, and opportunities to help Black entrepreneurs and businesses succeed in a competitive marketplace.
More importantly, we are a community—a modern-day Black Wall Street where ideas flourish, businesses grow, and wealth circulates with purpose.
As we look to the future, let’s remember that the story of Black Wall Street is not just a historical event; it’s a call to action. We have the power to create our own thriving ecosystems. We can support one another, invest in our communities, and build legacies that will stand the test of time.
Closing Thoughts
The legacy of Black Wall Street isn’t just a story of tragedy; it’s a testament to our resilience, ingenuity, and strength. At BBFG, we honor that legacy by fostering a community where Black businesses can thrive—together.
Let’s continue to build, invest, and uplift. Together, we are the next chapter of Black Wall Street.
In solidarity and empowerment,
It's our time!
-Phil-
Phillip W. Dunn
Founder, Black Business Focus Group
A few people are viewing these posts, but why the reluctance to comment? Okay, I'll be first. While I find these things admirable, I can't help but feel we are too scattered throughout the U.S. to have any communities to build. I used to have a business, but White Supremacy took it out and I was too new to have the funds to fight back.
I don't live in Oklahoma to help rebuild Black Wall Street. What are we to do to come together as one voice and stop the rich from gaining ground with the wealth gap? I was raised partially during Jim Crow, and this country is trying to go right back there. I was just a kid,…