by Abi Adeleke
What Was Lost in 1921: The Fire That Tried to Erase Black Wall Street
In 1921, the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma—known as Black Wall Street—was one of the most successful Black communities in America. It was a place where Black families built homes, ran thriving businesses, and passed down wealth—despite systemic racism and segregation.
Then, in the darkness of the night, fire fell.
In one of the most brutal acts of racial violence in U.S. history, white mobs—with the aid of law enforcement—burned Greenwood to the ground in less than 18 hours. The Tulsa Race Massacre wasn’t just destruction—it was an intentional erasure.
“I walked through Greenwood—once known as Black Wall Street—and felt the weight of dreams lost to flames.”
— @thrive365consulting
What Was Lost in the Fire:
1. Human Lives & Safety
An estimated 100–300 Black residents were killed. Thousands were displaced. Many survivors were detained in makeshift camps. Families fled with only the clothes on their backs.
“They tried to bury us. They didn’t know we were seeds.”
— Mexican Proverb
2. Homes & Community
More than 1,250 homes were reduced to ash. Generations of personal belongings, deeds, family photos, and furniture were lost—wiping out tangible legacy.
3. Institutions
▪️ 2 Black hospitals
▪️ 21 churches
▪️ Several schools
▪️ 1 public library
All gone—destroying Black infrastructure in health, education, faith, and knowledge.
“This was not a riot—it was a massacre. And it tried to kill not just people, but the future.”
— Thrive365 Consulting Reflection
But the true cost of that fire goes far beyond the 200+ Black-owned businesses destroyed.
4. Generational Wealth
Black Wall Street was thriving: doctors, lawyers, hotels, restaurants, tailors, barbers, banks.
Most residents had no insurance, and claims were denied.
Estimated losses: $1.5–$2 million in 1921 (over $30 million today).
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…”
— Proverbs 13:22💰 Generational wealth is a biblical principle—and the legacy stolen will be restored
5. Historical Identity & Legacy
The story was intentionally silenced. For decades, it was absent from history books and public acknowledgment. Survivors lived in fear, silenced by trauma.
“When we lose our history, we lose our power. But when we reclaim it—we rise.”
— @thrive365consulting
6. Civic Trust & Justice
No one was ever held accountable. No reparations were paid.
The city buried the truth for nearly a century. Only recently has the massacre begun to receive national recognition and memorialization.
🕊️ Why We Must Remember
At Thrive365 Consulting, we don’t just look back to mourn—we look back to rebuild. We honor the legacy of Black Wall Street by helping individuals and communities rise again. Whether you’re healing from workplace trauma, rebuilding your purpose, or launching a faith-driven business, you carry the spirit of Greenwood within you.
“We are the rebuilders of ancient ruins. We raise up the age-old foundations.”
— Isaiah 58:12🏗️ We are the rebuilders. We carry forward the faith, brilliance, and boldness of those before us.
We exist to help you thrive—not just survive. Because what was stolen will be restored. And what was buried will rise again.
You were made to thrive, not just survive.
Reflect & Rebuild
Take a moment to reflect with these scriptures:
📖 Joel 2:25 — “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten…”
📖 Isaiah 61:3 — “He gives beauty for ashes…”
📖 Amos 5:24 — “Let justice roll like a river…”
🧭 Explore our free resources and purpose-driven tools at
👉 https://linktr.ee/thrive365consulting
#BlackWallStreet #Tulsa1921 #Thrive365Consulting #HealingAndThriving #LegacyBuilders #BlackHistoryMatters #FaithAndJustice #GenerationalWealth #PurposeDrivenWork #ResilientCommunities #BeautyForAshes
Additional Scriptures for Reflection:
- Romans 12:19 (ESV)
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God…”
✋🏾 Vengeance belongs to God, but accountability and remembrance are our sacred duties. - Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
🕊️ We acknowledge the trauma, but also the healing power of God’s presence.
Thank you for hanging out with me! Dr. Abi Adeleke, #hangingoutwithdrabi on Spotify
For our free resources: https://linktr.ee/thrive365consulting
