Black Wall Street leaders create inspirational video “Build It Back”

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TULSA, Okla. — Greenwood community leaders partnered with artist Playya 1000 to create a powerful music video honoring Black Wall Street and its future.  The video, entitled “Build It Back” also headlines artists The Deeksta and Marshall Malachi McGee.

“We dropped the video in honor of Black History Month and as a tribute to North Tulsa’s legendary Greenwood District and Black Wall Street,” said Charles Harper, Executive Director of World Won Development.

North Tulsa community leaders like Charles Harper, city councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper, CEO of the Tulsa Economic Development Corporation Rose Washington and others appear throughout the video.

The inspirational video has modern vibes but seeks to blend Greenwood’s economic prowess of the past with its burgeoning potential.

Playya 1000 centers the setting of the video itself inside of the Greenwood Rising museum and at sites around North Tulsa. The lyrics also intentionally drive at the richness of the community.

Song’s lyrics highlight the power of Greenwood’s past and present community

“This for them nightmares we turned into dreams,” the song goes.

“This for the dollar that got circulated 36 times before it vacated,” it continues. The line hits on how Greenwood residents almost exclusively spent their wealth within the community.

“Build It Back” goes on to give homage the entrepreneurs who built the Greenwood community.

“This is Gurley and Stratford and Berry,” Playya 1000 raps. “They planted the seed for this commentary.”

“This is for 35 blocks of Black independence.”

Community leaders in the video appear one after the other. They each look into the camera as the song plans and chant “build it back!”

While much of Greenwood has experienced significant gentrification, a groundswell of Black entrepreneurs are working to build it back.

The spirit, power and excellence that defined Greenwood and Black Wall Street lives on in Tulsa today.

The full “Build It Back” music video is free and available online to watch now on YouTube.