TULSA, Okla. -Greenwood will be filled with the sights, sounds and flavors of the first-ever Black Wall Street Food Festival on Saturday, July 18.
1. It’s the first Black Wall Street Food Festival
The inaugural festival celebrates the culture, entrepreneurship and legacy of Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District, once known as Black Wall Street. Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together while highlighting local businesses and Black-owned entrepreneurs.
2. More than 50 food vendors will be serving a variety of cuisines
Festivalgoers can choose from more than 50 food trucks and vendors offering everything from barbecue and Mexican food to African and Jamaican dishes, along with desserts, ice cream, lemonade and more.“We’re going to have food, African food, we’re going to have Jamaican food, we’re going to have desserts. We’re going to have ice cream, we’re going to have Mexican food. We’re going to have barbecue. I mean, it’s a variety of foods, so come hungry,” said Jesse Foster, co-founder of the Step Up Now Foundation.
3. There’s more than just food
The festival will also feature live entertainment, shopping with local businesses and vendors, and family-friendly activities, including a dunk tank.“Food just brings people together,” Foster said. “Food is really is love. It’s why they call it comfort food.”
4. Expect road closures and large crowds
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday in the Historic Greenwood District. Streets from John Hope Franklin Boulevard to Archer Street will be closed during the festival.Organizers expect thousands of visitors from across Oklahoma and neighboring states to attend.
5. Admission is free, and proceeds support Tulsa youth
Admission to the Black Wall Street Food Festival is free and open to the public.Festival proceeds will benefit Reed’s Youth Center, a North Tulsa nonprofit that provides camps, after-school programs and life skills training for local youth.
