O.W. Gurley, born in 1868, was a visionary entrepreneur and a key figure in the history of Black entrepreneurship in the United States. His remarkable contributions to the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, also known as "Black Wall Street," left a lasting legacy of economic empowerment and community resilience.

O.W. GURLEY 

Gurley recognized the importance of economic self-sufficiency within the African American community. In 1905, he moved to Tulsa, a rapidly growing city, and saw an opportunity to create a prosperous Black community.

In Tulsa, Gurley purchased land and established the Greenwood District, a thriving African American community that soon became a hub of entrepreneurship and culture. He encouraged other Black families to settle in the area, offering them land at reasonable prices. This act of self-determination laid the foundation for a vibrant and self-sustaining community.

One of Gurley's most significant contributions was the construction of the Gurley Hotel, a luxurious accommodation that catered to Black travelers who were often denied lodging in white-owned establishments during the era of segregation. The Gurley Hotel quickly became a symbol of excellence and hospitality within the African American community.

Under Gurley's leadership and guidance, Greenwood flourished. Black-owned businesses thrived, and the district became a center for commerce and culture. It was home to a multitude of enterprises, including banks, grocery stores, theaters, and professional services, all owned and operated by African Americans. This economic prosperity defied the prevailing racial prejudices of the time.

Tragically, the success of Greenwood attracted envy and resentment from some in the white community. This tension culminated in the infamous Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, during which a white mob destroyed much of the Greenwood District. Gurley's own hotel and other businesses were among the casualties of this devastating event.

Despite the destruction, O.W. Gurley and other members of the Greenwood community showed incredible resilience. They rebuilt their businesses and homes, demonstrating the unwavering spirit of Black entrepreneurship in the face of adversity.