O.W. Gurley

O.W. Gurley (1868–1935) was a visionary African American entrepreneur and real estate developer, best known for founding the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma—commonly known as “Black Wall Street,” one of the most prosperous Black communities in U.S. history.

O.W. Gurley was a landowner and entrepreneur who helped establish the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which became known as “Black Wall Street.” This district was one of the most prosperous Black communities in the U.S. before it was destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Gurley’s investment in real estate and businesses created an environment where Black entrepreneurs thrived.

Born to formerly enslaved parents in Alabama, Gurley was ambitious from a young age. He eventually settled in Oklahoma during the Land Rush of 1889. After working as a teacher, postal worker, and rancher, he seized on a unique opportunity in Tulsa. In 1906, Gurley purchased 40 acres of land in the northern part of the city, specifically for African Americans who sought economic independence and freedom from the oppressive Jim Crow laws of the South.

Gurley not only developed this land, but also provided loans to Black entrepreneurs who wanted to open businesses in the Greenwood District. Under his leadership, the area flourished, becoming home to thriving businesses, luxury homes, theaters, churches, and more. His belief in self-sufficiency and community building allowed Greenwood to grow into a symbol of Black prosperity, with its own schools, newspapers, and doctors’ offices.

However, the success of Black Wall Street drew the ire of local white residents, leading to the devastating Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, during which the entire district was destroyed. Gurley lost much of his wealth, but his legacy as a pioneer and creator of one of the most successful Black economic communities in American history endures.

O.W. Gurley’s story is one of determination, leadership, and a commitment to uplift the Black community, making him a true trailblazer in African American history.