Build in Tulsa, in partnership with the 1921 Sankofa Fund, opened applications and nominations Friday, April 4th for the 2025 1921 Awards. Honoring the enduring spirit of Black Wall Street, the initiative will award eight Tulsa-based entrepreneurs $3,842 each.
TULSA, Okla. — Build in Tulsa, in partnership with the 1921 Sankofa Fund, opened applications and nominations Friday, April 4th for the 3rd Annual 1921 Awards. Honoring the enduring spirit of Black Wall Street, the initiative will award eight Tulsa-based entrepreneurs $3,842 each. This year’s awardees will be recognized in time for the 104th commemoration of the 1921 Race Massacre.
“Build in Tulsa’s mission is to catalyze generational wealth building to help close the wealth gap that still persists in this country,” said Ashli Sims, Managing Director of Build in Tulsa. “The 1921 Awards invests in local businesses who are doing well, while also doing good.”
For the second year, 1921 Sankofa has partnered with Build in Tulsa, allowing the grant amount to be doubled through this strengthened collaboration focused on fostering multi-generational wealth.
To honor the legacy of Black Wall Street, Build in Tulsa launched the 1921 Awards in 2023, celebrating impactful entrepreneurs in Tulsa. The program has distributed over $40,000 to local businesses in the last two years, with 1921 Sankofa doubling the 2024 awards. Demonstrating strong community interest, last year's initiative received over 600 nominations.
This enhanced partnership leverages the 1921 Sankofa Fund's mission to bring forward the entrepreneurial prominence of Black Wall Street by providing significant capital. Together, the organizations are amplifying support for resilient entrepreneurs overcoming systemic barriers and driving community impact.
"Partnering with the 1921 Sankofa Fund allows us to double our investment in Tulsa's brilliant entrepreneurs who are often underestimated," said Krisheena Suarez, community engagement manager at Build in Tulsa. "This $3,842 award provides more substantial support as they build businesses and carry forward the powerful legacy of Black Wall Street."
Tulsa-based entrepreneurs can apply, and community members are encouraged to nominate eligible individuals who embody resilience, innovation, and the spirit of Black Wall Street. Visit The 1921 Awards webpage for details on how to nominate an entrepreneur. The deadline for submissions is May 5, 2025.
About Build in Tulsa: Build in Tulsa is dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap in America by catalyzing the creation of multi-generational wealth through tech and entrepreneurship.
About the 1921 Sankofa Fund: 1921 Sankofa is a concept derived from the Akan people of Ghana expressing the importance of remembering and retrieving value from the past to make positive progress in the future. Our mission is to bring forward the entrepreneurial spirit and prominence of Tulsa's Black Wall Street by providing capital, sharing insights, and leveraging experience. Learn more about 1921 Sankofa website: https://www.sankofafund.org/