Mark Smith
OUR MOVEMENT
This historical and monumental Movement is only about God, our ancestors and future generations. Black Wall Street districts can be recognized as an urban area that is a thriving center of the Right Spirit, business, industry, and culture and is a commercial strip that has 50%-70% or more businesses owned by African Americans.
Tell us about yourself?
Founder and national president of Black Wall Street USA. CEO of BlackWallStreet.org. Hold a doctorate in Theology.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Focus on the big picture and leave the small things small.
What problem does your business solve?
Programs that include economic development and community edification.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
We were was inspired to launch his organization by an entrepreneur named Ottawa “O.W.” Gurley. In the early 1900s, Gurley played a pivotal role in transforming Tulsa’s Greenwood District into the first “Black Wall Street” by launching and running many of Greenwood’s businesses, offering loans to open new businesses, and even turning over ownership of some of his established businesses to other community members.
It was important to Gurley to help other Black people achieve economic independence, says Carter. “The importance of what he did was to sustain and solidify the area for the long haul for Black entrepreneurs. He was a visionary in that regard.”
What is your magic sauce?
Actually we don’t have any true competition. That’s what make our movement unique.
participants in this movement must be in the The Right Spirit, complete district recognition & location.
Perform measurable objectives, evaluation, capacity analysis and a feasibility study. This also includes resolutions, proclamations and acts.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
To double the number of Black Wall Street districts around the globe. We aim to expand our reach in Asia, Europe and Latin America.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
Our biggest challenge is battling racism and political bureaucracies..
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
The best way to get involved is to become a supporting member by visiting https://blackwallstreet.org/join. Annual supporting membership is only $65.
