Controversial Billboard Causes Mixed Reactions For Greenwood Businesses

A billboard just northwest of downtown Tulsa has some people upset because it says Black Wall Street is dead and refers to the people in North Tulsa as squatters.

Some people think they understand what the billboard is trying to say, while others don’t like it.

Many people agree the billboard is pretty jarring, but they have mixed emotions about its message.

The billboard reads, “Black Wall Street is dead. Without a viable economy, you’re just squatters in North Tulsa.”

Some say that couldn’t be further from the truth.

"Black Wall Street is about as dead as I am at this moment,” said Darlene Pierce. “Black Wall Street can be built back up, and it should be built back up."

Cyndii Cosper, the Manager of Black Wall Street Tees and Souvenirs on Greenwood Avenue, says she’s also not happy about the billboard and what it implies about her business and the other businesses in Greenwood.

"I just think it is a slap in the face,” said Cosper. “There are businesses that are down here, and we've been down here for four, almost five years, and are doing well. Again, here to help the community to know the history here and those who come in from out of town. So there's been a lot of economic growth, even since we've been down here."

Kode Ransom owns the Black Wall Street Liquid Lounge and agrees with Cosper that using words like “squatters” is offensive.

But he says he understands what the sign is getting at because he says business owners are renting their spaces here since the land is not for sale.

"What I hope becomes of [Black Wall Street] is we actually get land ownership to where we have the freedom to do whatever we want to do,” said Ransom. “Without land ownership, you're at the wheel of whoever owns the land. If they want you gone, you're gone."

The Billboard was paid for by a group called New Black Voices.

The group has a website, but no contact information is listed.

The website has a list of demands and accuses the City of depriving them of resources for decades.

Among the things they want are reparations and a total dismantling of systemic white supremacy.

Cosper and Ransom both agree people should do their research about the billboard, and they believe those behind it should come forward.

"I'm all for people voicing their opinion on things,” said Ransom. “But don't hide behind a billboard to say it. If that's the way you feel, just come out and say it. Regardless of if I agree or disagree, it's to learn a perspective on it.”

The billboard company gave News On 6 a phone number, and we reached out but did not hear back.