Buy Black Community Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Kick Off at Tulsa Juneteenth Festival

Statistics indicate a remarkable surge in entrepreneurship among Black Americans, who are starting businesses at the fastest rate in the U.S., accounting for nearly 20% of all new entrepreneurs in the past year. However, many of these innovators operate outside traditional commercial spaces and thus miss crucial opportunities for public acknowledgment and community support. Our event fills this gap by providing a ceremonial platform to honor these entrepreneurs, fostering a supportive environment that highlights their contributions to the economy and their communities.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will not only celebrate the achievements of these business owners but will also symbolize a new era of collaboration among our chambers and other community organizations. By aligning our efforts, we hope to amplify the impact and reach of Black-owned businesses, encouraging further growth and sustainability. This event will serve as a catalyst for ongoing partnerships and will showcase the unity and strength of our community as we collectively push toward economic empowerment.

The Greenwood Women’s Business Center, in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration is proud to support this initiative celebrating Black firms who operate in virtual and non-traditional spaces. “We can never forget the atrocities that took place during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre which decimated the entire Black Wall Street area, said Ron Busby, Sr., President of USBC. Through the Greenwood Women’s Business Center and local partnerships, we are committed to working with Black businesses locally to ensure they receive the resources, support, and information that helps them thrive and grow as contributors to the local business economy and Black economic wealth.”

“The Black Wall Street Chamber is proud to collaborate with the U.S. Black Chamber and other esteemed organizations on this historic ‘Buy Black Community Ribbon Cutting’ initiative”, said Kuma Roberts, President of The Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce.”For too long, Black entrepreneurs without traditional storefronts have gone unrecognized for their immense contributions to our local economy and community. This landmark event shines a well-deserved spotlight on their accomplishments while fostering an ecosystem of support. By honoring the resilient spirit of Black Wall Street’s legacy, we pave the way for a new era of Black business ownership, economic empowerment, and generational wealth-building in the Greenwood District and beyond. It is our hope our community’s Black chambers remain steadfastly committed to providing the resources, advocacy, and community connections that fuel the dreams of our entrepreneurs.”

The Buy Black Community Ribbon Cutting ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to support and promote Black-owned businesses in Tulsa and beyond. By uniting these powerful organizations, the event aims to highlight the importance of economic empowerment and the rich history of Black entrepreneurship in the Historic Greenwood District, once known as Black Wall Street.

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About U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.:

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership, and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support a network of African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises. Learn more at usblackchambers.org.

About Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce:

The Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce supports the growth and sustainability of Black-owned businesses through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Learn more at bwschamber.com.

About Greenwood Chamber of Commerce:

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and develop the economic interests of the Historic Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street. Learn more at historictulsagreenwoodchamber.com.

About Greenwood Women’s Business Center:

The Greenwood Women’s Business Center empowers women entrepreneurs through resources, training, and support to help them succeed in business. Learn more at usblackchambers.org/greenwoodwbc.

About North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative:

The North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative works to revitalize and enhance the economic prosperity of North Tulsa through strategic partnerships and community-driven projects. Learn more at ntedi.net/.

About Historic Greenwood District Main Street: