While the world remembers the men who laid the foundation of Black Wall Street, Black women were just as instrumental in its rise.
This week, I’m excited to shine a light on the incredible women who redefine what it means to be a Black Queen and Superhero: two words that capture the essence of who we are.
By now, many are familiar with Black Wall Street, the first Black-owned community in the U.S. to reach a level of success previously unseen before the abolition of slavery on January 31, 1865 which symbolized Black entrepreneurship, community, and self-reliance. However, as is often the case, the contributions of Black women are frequently overshadowed by the broader challenges faced by the Black community.
Just like Black women in 2025, the Black women of Black Wall Street are a testament to the strength of community, the power of resilience, and the unmatched spirit of Black womanhood.
Visionaries
Despite the adversaries and challenges these women faced both personally and professionally, they built empires, and in doing so, created a legacy that continues to inspire. Even after the horrors of the Tulsa Race Massacre, when their businesses were destroyed and their lives shattered, they found ways to rebuild because the Black women of Black Wall Street knew that their power wasn’t in their material wealth but in their ability to unite, to rise, and to create again.
They were the visionaries and warriors whose determination and brilliance were the heartbeat of one of the most prosperous Black communities in American history.
One of the most striking aspects of their lives was how they seamlessly blended entrepreneurship with social activism. The beauty salons they owned weren’t just places to get a haircut or a facial, they were sanctuaries where women shared ideas, supported each other, and built a collective sense of purpose.
Embracing the Black Wall Street mindset
The restaurants and hotels they managed were more than just establishments. They were the gathering spots for intellectual exchange, political discussion, and cultural solidarity. They were the architects of Black Wall Street, and their impact is woven into the very fabric of its history.
Fast forward to today, and Black women are undergoing a transformation, driven by the rapid pace of systemic changes. As we witness the erosion of civil rights and the loss of women’s rights, Black women are navigating these challenges with perseverance, finding ways to avoid obstacles and move forward with confidence and determination.
However, there is still work to be done. Black women must embrace the same mindset that the women of Black Wall Street embodied. We need to learn how to tap into the strength of community, supporting one another fully, fostering sisterhood, and uniting to unlock the economic power and wealth needed for real ownership.
This is especially crucial in the beauty industry, where we spend $9.4 billion annually but control less than 5% of the market. When we look back to 1920, the landscape for Black-owned beauty brands was strikingly different.
The Role of Beauty and Personal Care in 1920
One of the most notable sectors where Black women excelled in Black Wall Street was beauty and personal care. Beauty parlors, barber shops, and hair salons were among the most successful businesses in the district.
These spaces were not only about physical appearance but also about creating a sense of belonging and fostering self-esteem in an environment where African Americans were often subjected to dehumanizing stereotypes. Women used beauty and grooming businesses as a means of economic independence and as places where community bonds could be strengthened.
Black Women Who Built Empires
Mary E. Jones Parrish was a talented educator, journalist, and businesswoman who ran a beauty salon. She was also one of the key figures in documenting the Greenwood community’s tragedy during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Parrish’s beauty business was a cornerstone for local women who sought to enhance their physical appearance and gain financial independence.
Then there’s Ms. Alma Wilson. Another well-known figure and a respected businesswoman who owned one of the leading beauty salons in the area. Her salon catered to the women of Greenwood, giving them a place of relaxation, rejuvenation, and empowerment. Her role as a business owner allowed her to have a considerable influence on the local community and became a meeting place for women’s social and professional activities.
Ms. Lottie O’Neal was an entrepreneur who owned and operated a well-known hotel. The hotel became a popular gathering spot for visitors from other parts of the nation. Her establishment became an iconic symbol of success for women in the business world of Black Wall Street.
Although best known as the first African American woman to hold a pilot’s license, Bessie Coleman’s achievements transcend her aviation career. Her entrepreneurial spirit, linked to her role as a public figure and an inspiration for women, influenced other Black women to pursue independence through business ventures, breaking barriers in industries previously closed to them.
Survivors
Then there are the two remaining survivors of Black Wall Street, both of whom just so happen to be women and firsthand witnesses to one of the most horrific acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history: Viola Fletcher and Lessie Benningfield Randle, both 110 years old.
Ms. Fletcher was just seven years old when a White mob burned the Greenwood district of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to the ground. She is one the oldest known living survivors of what is now known as the Tulsa massacre.
The fire, smoke, and violence from that mob created vivid memories of the night of May 30, 1921, memories Fletcher can still recount with sobering clarity and strength even a century later.
In July 2021, Fletcher’s memoir, “Don’t Let Them Bury My Story,” was published, making her the oldest woman in the world to write a memoir. The book details the massacre, what happened in its aftermath, and the life she’s lived since, a life still affected by the tragedy.
Mother Randle was also a young girl at the time of the massacre, bearing witness to the horrors that engulfed Greenwood. These two women have survived and witnessed a century of societal and political struggles, and their strength continues to inspire us all.
Cultural and social impact
Black women entrepreneurs didn’t just shape the economic landscape of Black Wall Street, they also influenced the culture and social life of Greenwood. Their businesses offered spaces for networking, activism, and a sense of shared pride.
These women fostered a community where Black residents were able to build trust in each other and create strong alliances. They also became integral voices in advocating for civil rights and Black empowerment, and many were involved in local civic and social organizations that supported both women and the broader African American community.
Fast forward to 2025, and we’re witnessing a resurgence of those same businesses focused on social, political, health and wealth initiatives. More importantly, we’re responsible for setting the tone and modeling behaviors favorable for young Black girls who often need mentors.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
The contributions of Black women to the success of Black Wall Street have often been overshadowed by the larger narrative of male business owners or the traumatic events of the 1921 massacre. However, the women of Black Wall Street laid the groundwork for later generations of Black entrepreneurs like myself and others, whose influence continues today. From the beauty industry to real estate and banking, the entrepreneurial spirit of women in Black Wall Street left an indelible mark on American business history.
Through their courage, hard work, and commitment to the betterment of their community, the women of Black Wall Street helped create a beacon of Black success, a legacy that continues to inspire generations of entrepreneurs today.
This Black History Month as we honor the extraordinary women of Black Wall Street, we are reminded that the essence of Black womanhood is not just about surviving adversity, it’s about thriving in spite of it. The stories of the women of Black Wall Street are not just part of our history; they are part of the blueprint for our future.
As we move forward into 2025 and beyond, we must continue to celebrate and uplift the legacy of these unsung heroes, whose strength, wisdom, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to shape the world today.
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