Build in Tulsa partnered with the Black Wall Street Rally for an evening centered on entrepreneurship, collaboration, and community impact.
Build in Tulsa had the opportunity to partner with Black Wall Street Rally for a powerful evening centered around collaboration, entrepreneurship, culture, and community at the heart of Black Wall Street in Tulsa Oklahoma at the heart of Black Wall Street .
This event brought together founders, ecosystem leaders, corporate partners, and Tulsa community members in one room to share stories, build connections, and invest in conversations that matter. Guests heard from founders like Kim Roxie, founder of LAMIK Beauty and Jamel Stephens, founder of Afro Pop, whose entrepreneurial journeys reflected resilience, vision, and the importance of access and opportunity.
One of the most impactful moments of the evening came from Build in Tulsa’s Managing Director, Ashli Sims, who spoke about the concept of “lost genius.”
“It is what we lose when we underinvest in communities. It’s what we lose when we don’t invest in businesses... It’s lost genius. It’s economic output. It’s wealth for all of us.”
That statement carried weight because it reframed entrepreneurship as more than just business development. It reminded everyone in the room that when communities lack access to capital, mentorship, networks, and visibility, the loss affects all of us , not just the founders themselves.
Partnerships and spaces like this matter because they create opportunities for people to be seen, supported, and connected to resources that can move ideas forward. They also reinforce the legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship rooted right here in Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street district.
At Build in Tulsa, community is not just a talking point. It is a core part of the work. Whether through founder programming, pitch competitions, ecosystem partnerships, or events like this one, the goal remains the same: helping entrepreneurs access the tools, relationships, and support needed to build sustainable businesses and lasting impact.
Special thanks to Marcus Bowlin, the Black Wall Street Rally team, and their sponsors from the Moët Hennessy, including Arielle Pierre, Manager of Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity, for helping create a space where meaningful conversations and collaboration could happen.