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GREENWOOD Dist. — The City of Tulsa has approved a proclamation for Go Green for Greenwood, an initiative commemorating the tragic events of the 1921 race massacre. This initiative involves lighting up the buildings and businesses of downtown Tulsa and the Greenwood area with green lights, hosting community clean-up events, and promoting sustainable living practices. The initiative will run from May 30 to June 1. Tony Williams, the visionary behind the initiative, enthusiastically shared the journey of Go Green for Greenwood.
“It all started with a simple idea to promote sustainable living in our town,” Williams told
the Black Wall Street Times. “But it quickly became a collective effort. Everyone was
eager to contribute in any way they could.”
The Birth of Go Green for Greenwood
Williams, a native of the Greenwood district, felt a profound need to unite the community in a meaningful way. He was inspired by the idea of collective remembrance of the events in 1921, a tragic race massacre that devastated the Greenwood district.
Williams called on a few classmates to create and distribute flyers, urging the community to participate in lighting up the city in green. Despite the uncertainty and nervous anticipation, the initiative took off, exceeding all expectations.
“When that night came, it was just gorgeous to see so many buildings lit up,” Williams recalls. “At first, the BOK Tower was trying to figure out what to do, but by the second and third nights, it was beautiful to see. People from all walks of life were in green, sending me their pictures. It felt like the whole area was united,” Williams told the Black Wall Street Times.
From Entrepreneur to Community Leader: How ‘Mr. Greenwood’ is Bridging Gaps and Celebrating Tulsa’s Legacy
On any given day, you can see Williams frequenting a business on Greenwood or sitting on the bench soaking up the sun. His continued presence on Greenwood earned him the title “Mr. Greenwood.” His journey to becoming a community leader and the face of “Go Green for Greenwood” began with his entrepreneurial spirit.
In 2018, he started a clothing line celebrating Tulsa’s history and culture. Williams’ involvement in the community extended beyond business; he volunteered at various local enterprises, helping them grow and thrive.
Initially, he felt undeserving of such a prestigious title, but he embraced it and is willing to be a beacon of light for his community.
“I was born in Black Wall Street, and I still live here. I felt like I was blessed to be in a position to bridge that gap,” he says. “If I’m going to carry this title, I’m going to live up to it,” Williams said.
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Securing a Proclamation
The event’s success caught the local government’s attention, leading to the approval of a proclamation that ensures “Go Green for Greenwood” will be an annual event. This official recognition underscores the initiative’s importance, guaranteeing that the tradition of lighting up buildings in green will continue every year.
This proclamation cements the event’s place in Tulsa’s cultural calendar and reinforces the commitment to remembering and learning from the past while striving for unity and progress.
“Go Green for Greenwood” is more than just a lighting event; it symbolizes hope, unity, and a collective step towards healing and progress. Tony Williams’ vision and dedication have honored the past and paved the way for a future where the community comes together to celebrate its history and work towards a better tomorrow. As the green lights shine each year, they remind us all of the enduring spirit of Greenwood and the importance of unity in our shared journey forward.