Volunteers Pitching In To Get Greenwood Business District Ready For Greenwood Rising's Opening

Volunteers are going to be pitching in this weekend as they get the Greenwood Business District ready for visitors when Greenwood Rising opens later this spring. 

Venita Cooper owns Silhouette Sneakers and Art shop in Greenwood. 

“You know coming down here every day opening my doors in a space where you know a shoe shop used to exist that was black owed and on black wall street is very inspiring for me," said Cooper.

Cooper moved to Tulsa a few years ago and didn't know the history of Greenwood. Fast forward to today, and now she is a Greenwood business owner. She's happy to hear the Tulsa Area United Way is having a volunteer cleanup day to showcase her community. 

“Greenwood Rising is going to bring guests from all over the world to our community to that world class history center, so we want to make sure that we roll out and help greenwood put it’s best foot forward as a community,” said Alison Anthony.

Anthony is the President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way and said they typically sponsor one Day of Caring a year. That changed because of the pandemic, which allows volunteers to tackle more projects like the one this weekend. 

“Some people are writing notes to our non-profit leaders and encouraging people. Some people are doing physical projects, but what we’re doing on Saturday is really encouraging people to get out and shop at those black owned businesses," said Anthony.

Cooper said she's excited and grateful to see the spotlight shining on Greenwood. 

“I’m really proud of Tulsa. I know we have really sorted history and I hope that we can present a Greenwood that we can all be proud of as the nation’s eyes are on us," said Cooper.

900 people are signed up to help this weekend. If you miss this one, there will be other ways to help your community throughout the rest of the year.