Celebrating Black Excellence: Honorees of The Black Wall Street Times

At The Black Wall Street Times, Black history isn’t just recognized in February; it’s interwoven into the fabric of our year-round journalism. However, during the first week of Black History Month 2026, we are intentionally spotlighting individuals whose contributions have reshaped our cultural and social landscape. These honorees—athletes, academics, historians, activists, and more—are not just local heroes; their impact resonates on a national scale.

The Legacy of Greenwood

The Greenwood District in North Tulsa, famously known as Black Wall Street, is a storied birthplace of Black excellence and innovation. Before its tragic destruction in 1921, Greenwood was a beacon of what Black communities could achieve despite systemic obstacles. The legacy of resilience and brilliance didn’t fade; it evolved and continues to inspire. North Tulsa isn’t defined by its past trials but by its ongoing contributions.

Spotlighting the Honorees

These honorees are not mere footnotes in history; they exemplify the living legacy of Black Wall Street. They transform survival into storytelling, bridging past horrors with modern movements toward justice and equity.

First Row of Honorees

1. Alfre Woodard – An Academy Award-nominated actress and fierce activist, Woodard’s career emphasizes the dignity of Black life. Her commitment to truth and moral clarity has made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment industry and social justice circles.

2. Hughes Van Ellis – A survivor of the 1921 massacre, Ellis spent his life demanding accountability, turning personal tragedy into public testimony that ensured Greenwood’s history remained visible and acknowledged.

3. Viola Ford Fletcher – Globally recognized as “Mother Fletcher,” she amplified the ongoing need for justice through her powerful congressional testimony, redefining Greenwood as a current moral issue rather than a distant memory.

4. Leslie Benningfield Randle – Another survivor who embodies the connection between memory and activism, Randle’s voice has been pivotal in leading discussions about Greenwood’s legacy across various platforms.

5. Cornel West – A renowned scholar and philosopher, West challenges complacency and calls for a deep examination of morality within American democracy, influencing generations with his insights.

Second Row of Honorees

1. Tiffany Crutcher – The founder of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, Tiffany advocates for police accountability and community healing after the tragic loss of her twin brother. Her focus remains on turning grief into actionable change.

2. Damario Solomon-Simmons – As a civil rights attorney, he is instrumental in initiatives addressing the Greenwood massacre as an unresolved crime, pushing the narrative of reparative justice into mainstream legal discussions.

3. Kristi Williams – A National Geographic Explorer and founder of Black History Saturdays, her storytelling acknowledges narratives often overlooked, connecting local history with the broader Black diaspora.

Third Row of Honorees

1. Michael Todd – Lead pastor of Transformation Church, Todd revitalizes modern ministry through transparency and cultural relevance, fostering dialogue that breaks barriers between traditional faith communities and contemporary society.

2. Tyrance Billingsley II – Founder of Black Tech Street, Billingsley champions economic empowerment through technology, echoing the spirit of innovation that Black Wall Street embodied in its heyday.

Fourth Row of Honorees

1. The Gap Band – This famed Tulsa-born group defined funk and R&B, showcasing the rich cultural contributions of Black musicians and placing Tulsa on the musical map.

Fifth Row of Honorees

1. Nehemiah D. Frank – As the founder of The Black Wall Street Times, Frank has shifted narratives around the 1921 massacre from “riot” to “massacre,” enhancing public understanding and advocacy for justice.

2. Jay Ellis – An actor and producer, Ellis’s nuanced portrayals contribute to a deeper representation of Black manhood, balancing mainstream success with cultural authenticity.

3. Monroe Nichols – The first Black mayor of Tulsa, Nichols focuses on equitable governance, drawing from the city’s rich history to inform a brighter future.

Sixth Row of Honorees

1. Carlton Pearson – A bishop whose journey has sparked global conversations about faith and conscience, Pearson redefined religious dialogue challenging conventional doctrines.

2. Aaron “AJ” Johnson – As founder of Oasis Fresh Markets, Johnson has worked to improve access to healthy food in North Tulsa, recognizing the critical link between health equity and economic empowerment.

3. Tyler Lockett – NFL wide receiver, Lockett’s disciplined excellence and philanthropy have made him a source of pride for Tulsa, highlighting the city’s contributions to sports.

4. Hank Byrd – As a screenwriter and producer, Byrd’s commitment to authentic storytelling captures the complexity of Black experiences, broadening representation in media.

5. Wayman Tisdale – A former NBA player and jazz musician, Tisdale’s life showcased the intersection of sports, artistry, and service, creating a mosaic of cultural contributions.

Final Row of Honorees

1. Quraysh Ali Lansana – An award-winning poet and educator, Lansana employs language for liberation, making significant contributions to contemporary Black literary discourse.

2. Majeste Pearson – An influential singer, Pearson uses music to empower youth and promote inclusivity, carrying on a legacy of artistic expression rooted in community.

3. Etan Thomas – A former NBA center turned poet and activist, Thomas’s writing confronts political injustices, emphasizing Black intellectual resistance.

4. Kolbi Jordan – A standout contestant from American Idol Season 23, Jordan’s journey reflects Greenwood’s creative legacy and serves as an inspiration for resilience.

5. DeMarco Morgan – An award-winning journalist, Morgan amplifies Black perspectives and challenges dominant narratives in media, striving for a more equitable representation in journalism.

Continuing the Legacy

The commitment to preserving Black history goes beyond commemoration; it requires active support for independent Black media. By funding journalism that elevates these voices and stories, we engage in a continuous dialogue about Black excellence and cultural truths.

Whether through a modest monthly donation or a founding membership, supporting The Black Wall Street Times ensures that these stories not only endure but thrive in the ongoing narrative of Black history. In celebrating these honorees, we celebrate resilience, innovation, and a future shaped by the stories we tell and honor.