The city of Tulsa will receive $1 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies to fund an art project commemorating the legacy of Greenwood, or Black Wallstreet as it has been commonly called.
The Greenwood Art Project—named after the historic Black Wall Street neighborhood—will address civic issues and aims to deepen the understanding of the community’s story of triumph.
A team led by internationally renowned artist Rick Lowe will create eight art installations throughout the Greenwood District.
“Through the Greenwood Art Project in time for the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, we have the opportunity to establish a future of prosperity, reconciliation, and unity – a narrative that every city in America stands to learn from,” said Lowe. “I am committed to this project because of everything that it stands for.”
In the early 1900s, Greenwood was known for its vibrant and thriving Black middle class. In 1921, a white mob destroyed and set fire to hundreds of Black-owned businesses in the area. Over 300 African Americans died and 10,000 were left homeless.
Tulsa beat out 14 other finalists for the funding to create the art series and will have 2 years to complete the project. If all goes according to plan, the art installations should be completed by 2021, the 100-year anniversary of the Tulsa Race Riot.