The 1921 awards recognize Tulsa entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of Black Wall Street—visionary builders whose work continues the legacy of innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment rooted in the historic Greenwood District.
Spotlight on the 1921 Awards: Honoring Tulsa Entrepreneurs Who Embody the Spirit of Black Wall Street
Tulsa, OK – June 1, 2025 — More than 200 nominations were submitted for the 2025 1921 Awards, highlighting the breadth of entrepreneurial talent across Tulsa. From this outstanding group, eight founders were selected for their business achievements and enduring commitment to community impact.
The 1921 awards recognize Tulsa entrepreneurs who embody the spirit of Black Wall Street—visionary builders whose work continues the legacy of innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment rooted in the historic Greenwood District.
The third annual 1921 Awards Ceremony was presented during a historic weekend of remembrance at the Greenwood Cultural Center as part of Legacy Fest and the first annual 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Observance Day. This significant occasion marked a collective reflection, pride, and recognition for those advancing Tulsa’s entrepreneurial future.
This year’s 1921 Awardees are:
Each awardee was selected for demonstrated business growth, community investment, and alignment with the enduring values of Greenwood’s legacy.
The 1921 Awards finalists were chosen by a distinguished panel of community leaders and entrepreneurship advocates, including:
Nominees were evaluated based on three core criteria: measurable business progress, demonstrated community involvement, and an entrepreneurial drive that reflects the innovative and resilient history of Black Wall Street.
In keeping with tradition, each 1921 Award includes a financial grant to support continued business growth. This year, the grant amount was doubled from $1,921 to $3,842 thanks to the generous support of 1921 Sankofa, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to the principle that “we must look back to move forward.” This expanded funding ensures honorees receive recognition and meaningful investment in their ventures.
Launched in 2023, the 1921 Awards were created to honor the entrepreneurial spirit of Greenwood—once known as Black Wall Street. By 1921, the district was home to more than 100 Black-owned businesses and institutions before being destroyed in the Tulsa Race Massacre. Today, the awards are a tribute to that history and a call to invest in the future.
Each year, eight Tulsa entrepreneurs are selected for their business and community leadership excellence. These honorees represent the next chapter in Greenwood’s story—building sustainable ventures, creating jobs, and fostering generational wealth despite systemic barriers.
The 1921 Awards reaffirm Tulsa’s commitment to closing the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship, celebrating those who are reshaping the city’s future in the image of its past.
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