Watch The Legacy of Black Wall Street

The Legacy of Black Wall Street is a new show on OWN network that explores the history of one of the most prosperous and thriving African-American communities in America. The show is hosted by activist and author Angela Davis, Oklahoma State Representative Regina Goodwin, and Tulsa-based historian Raven Majia Williams.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street takes its name from the once-thriving neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma that was home to a vibrant community of black entrepreneurs and business owners in the early 20th century. The show dives deep into the history of this neighborhood and the events that led to its destruction, shedding light on a dark and often overlooked chapter in American history.

Through interviews with historians, experts, and descendants of Black Wall Street residents, the show paints a vivid picture of the thriving community that once existed in Tulsa. Viewers will learn about the founding of the community by black landowners in the late 1800s and the growth of independent black businesses in the area. They'll also hear about the devastating events that occurred in 1921, when a white mob descended upon the neighborhood, destroying homes, businesses, and lives. The tragedy is often referred to as the Tulsa Race Massacre, but the show argues that the term "massacre" fails to capture the full extent of the violence and destruction that occurred.

The show offers a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the events leading up to and following the massacre, as well as the broader societal forces at play. Viewers will learn about the role of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups in fomenting racial tension in Tulsa and other parts of the country. They'll also hear about the complicity of local and national government officials in allowing the massacre to occur, as well as the ongoing institutional racism and discrimination faced by black Americans in the aftermath.

Despite the somber subject matter, The Legacy of Black Wall Street is ultimately a hopeful and inspiring show, celebrating the resilience and creativity of the Black Wall Street community and their descendants. Viewers will see how some descendants of Black Wall Street residents have worked to preserve and honor the memory of their ancestors, including efforts to rebuild some of the neighborhood's destroyed businesses and landmarks.

Throughout the show, Angela Davis, Regina Goodwin, and Raven Majia Williams serve as thoughtful and compassionate guides, providing context and insight into the complexities of the Black Wall Street story. Their personal experiences and perspectives bring an added depth and richness to the show, making it an engaging and powerful watch for anyone interested in learning more about this important chapter in American history.

The Legacy of Black Wall Street is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (2 episodes). The series first aired on June 2, 2021.