Black Wall Street: Creating a Digital Network for Black Entrepreneurs

When people hear the phrase “Black Wall Street,” many think first of Greenwood, Oklahoma, the once-thriving Black economic hub destroyed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. But for a growing network of Black entrepreneurs in Houston and beyond, Black Wall Street is not only history; it serves as an active blueprint for collective economic power and survival in a system that has long denied Black communities equal access to capital and opportunities.

Today’s Movement

Founded in 2015, the modern Black Wall Street movement was built on the idea of collaboration over competition, according to Martel Matthews, co-founder and chief operating officer. Drawing inspiration from Greenwood, the founders envisioned a digital ecosystem where Black business owners could share resources and scale, especially as commerce increasingly moved online.

“We had that same passion and wanted to connect us as business owners across the Black diaspora,” Matthews explained. “We saw the world moving, with the internet, social media, Instagram, TikTok.”

Unfortunately, the lack of access remains a primary reason Black Wall Street continues to play a vital role today. Matthews noted that Black entrepreneurs often start with less capital, fewer connections, and limited generational business knowledge—barriers rooted in decades of exclusion. “Creating a space explicitly designed to counter those disadvantages is not about exclusion,” he added, “but equity.”

“We wanna circulate our dollars in our community. Not only does it help the business owner, but it helps the infrastructure, provides tools and knowledge for our kids that are going up behind us, and provides jobs.”

— FRANK PERKINS II, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF BLACK WALL STREET

Frank Perkins II, CEO and co-founder of Black Wall Street, traced that mission back to his experience trying to locate minority-owned vendors while working in government contracting. At the time, Black businesses were largely invisible within traditional chambers of commerce. Rather than accept that gap, Perkins took the initiative to build a platform to close it.

“We wanna circulate our dollars in our community,” Perkins emphasized. “Not only does it help the business owner, but it helps the infrastructure, provides tools and knowledge for our kids that are going up behind us, and provides jobs.”

This emphasis on sustainability was a recurring theme throughout Black Wall Street’s 10th anniversary Legacy Weekend in Houston. During the events, speakers highlighted the importance of viewing entrepreneurship as more than just a hustle; it’s a long-term strategy for generational wealth and self-determination.

The Unity in the Movement

For Donna Marshall Payne, a committee member often affectionately referred to as “Auntie,” the value of Black Wall Street lies in unity. She perceives it as a platform that brings together fragmented resources, such as mentorship and financing, so entrepreneurs do not have to navigate those systems alone.

“When you do things together, you get more done,” she stated. “Black Wall Street is about unity, unification of entrepreneurs all over the world.”

This collective approach also addresses a less visible cost of entrepreneurship—burnout. Dr. Danielle Griffin, an educator and business owner with multiple ventures, noted that many Black entrepreneurs enter business driven by a desire to serve but often lack the necessary structures to protect their health, finances, and families.

“Oftentimes, that’s how we got into business, wanting to help and serve others,” Griffin explained. “But we’re stressing ourselves out, running out of money, and burning out while trying to juggle multiple responsibilities.”

Legacy, a significant theme within the movement, refers to the assets and knowledge passed forward. Matthews articulated legacy as ownership and preparedness, shaped by his own experience losing family and realizing the lack of financial planning that had been done.

“One of the main challenges you face as a Black-owned business is imposter syndrome,” he said. “You may be the first one in your generation to have the bold strength to create something from scratch. You walk into rooms unsure of yourself because the heritage of business knowledge wasn’t necessarily passed down.”

Entrepreneurs like Marcus Bowers, co-founder of Black Wall Street and owner of She’s Happy Hair, framed the venture as a bridge between traditional business models and the digital economy. Bowers attributed his success—which has generated over $100 million in revenue across various industries—to understanding data, forecasting, and online outreach.

“You gotta change your mindset,” Bowers advised. “Many people are focused solely on making money. But true entrepreneurs must also consider the data. Billionaires don’t just reach millions of people in person; they connect with them digitally to maximize their impact.”

Future of the Movement

While the movement began online, its future includes the development of physical spaces. Plans are underway to open a Black Wall Street hub in Houston, which will serve as a dedicated location for business networking and community access.

This physical presence, according to the organizers, signifies more than just expansion; it marks permanence and commitment to the community.

“In today’s context, the last 10 years have seen us cultivate a thriving digital landscape,” Perkins said. “We’ve assisted over a thousand businesses in growing their online presence through social media and provided the community with essential tools and knowledge on integrating AI into their practices. These initial ten years are merely the starting point; now we transition into a nonprofit foundation phase, with people joining our committees and boards to further enrich the community, not just in Houston but across the United States.”

This story was originally published on Word In Black on January 6th, 2026