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TULSA, OK — The Black Wall Street Legacy Fest is proud to announce acclaimed comedian, actor, and cultural commentator Billy Sorrells as the official Master of Ceremonies for Legacy Fest 2025, taking place May 30 – June 1 in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District.
Sorrells—known for his sharp wit, viral sketches, and bold storytelling—will bring his signature energy and authenticity to the main stage as the festival honors the 104th anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre and celebrates the ongoing legacy of Black excellence, resistance, and innovation.
“We’re honored to welcome Billy Sorrells to Tulsa as the voice and vibe of this year’s Legacy Fest,” said Dr. Tiffany Crutcher, Executive Director of the festival. “Billy’s work embodies the spirit of Black creativity and truth-telling. He’s not only hilarious—he’s fearless in speaking truth to power, and that’s exactly the energy Greenwood deserves.”
Comedy Meets Consciousness: Sorrells Wears His Legacy with Pride
Houston native Billy Sorrells brings his talents to the national stage with appearances on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out,” BET’s “ComicView,” and Kevin Hart’s LOL Network. He also created multiple viral digital series. Beyond comedy, Sorrells uses his platform to speak out on race, masculinity, and justice—making him a powerful fit for a festival that blends celebration with a call to action.
“It’s a true honor to stand on the soil where so much history, pain, and power still live,” Sorrells said. Quoting James Baldwin, he added, “‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.’”
For Sorrells, the Black Wall Street Legacy Fest isn’t just a moment—it’s a reflection of generational resilience. His great-grandfather, John J.D. Dew, and great-grandmother, Ruth Dew Williams, built multiple Black-owned businesses in Florida, which white supremacists burned down several times during Jim Crow. Despite racial violence and city-led gentrification, his great-grandfather remained committed to Black ownership until the end of his life.
Sorrells’ family history also includes Lydia “Sadie” Lewis-Pettis, his great-grandmother who worked in the White House for the Roosevelts as a head maid and nanny.
“This isn’t just your fight,” Sorrells said. “This is our fight. My family’s legacy lives in this struggle. And Legacy Fest is where we come together—to honor, to remember, and to turn pain into purpose. I’m here to bring the energy, uplift the voices, and remind us that Black joy is resistance.”
Legacy Fest 2025 Promises Powerful Performances, Panels, and Purpose
Legacy Fest 2025 features panels, community events, live performances, and a headline concert by Tobe Nwigwe. The festival draws thousands to Tulsa to honor the past, uplift the present, and shape a better future.
For updates, follow the Black Wall Street Times and the Black Wall Street Legacy Fest. Stay connected on social media @bwslegacyfest and @thebwstimes.
