The Black Wall Street is a story I have both followed and lectured on for sometime.  One of the things I found most disheartening during my research was the lack of detailed information available on Greenwood and other Black towns of old.  After extensive research I happened to come across what I believe to be one of the most detailed books I found on the subject.  The book entitled after the nicknamed of the town was "Black Wall Street", written by Hannibal B. Johnson, Esq. 

Hannibal Shown Below 
In The Town of Greenwood

On Sunday January 20, I had both the honor and privilege of speaking to Hannibal Johnson.  Hannibal named after Hannibal Barca (Carthaginian general and military tactical genius) from the history books; himself leads his own strategic mission.  Instead of invading Italy like his namesake Johnson strategically invades ignorance and prejudice through authoring books such as "Black Wall Street", "Up From The Ashes", and his latest book "Acres Of Aspiration". 

 Johnson who was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas says his mother and father were always very supportive of his education and writings.  According to Johnson when it came time for college, "it was not a decision I had to make but something that was expected of me".  Hannibal finished undergrad studies at the University of Arkansas before continuing on and completing Harvard Law School.  Ever the writer, Johnson says he started writing “letters to the editor” of several publications in high school,  before himself writing Guest Editorials for the Oklahoma Eagle Newspaper, and articles for Law Reviews.  Inspired by the candid writings of such authors as James Baldwin, Johnson himself became an advocate of telling the story the way it actually happened.  He says he is primarily interested in the history that has long gone ignored.   Prior to writing his book on the Greenwood District (Black Wall Street) Johnson published a four-part essay on the subject.  While Johnson’s book does speak on the destruction of the town, its focus is more on the character of the people of Greenwood and the story of the human spirit.  Using such resources as Old Newspapers from the area surrounding Greenwood, Information from both Greenwood Historical Society and Cultural Center Johnson’s book paints a unique picture of the untold heritage and wealth of the African American People.  Additionally, he has met with survivors of the Greenwood riots and their families, as well as researched other books on the subject as resources in his research.   Blessed with the ability of being consumed by the subject matter of his writings, Johnson chisels out the epic saga that educates our people with stories not told in the history books.  Currently, Johnson is working on a children’s book to educate children on the richness of their own heritage as African Americans.  URSCENE Entertainment will be there to let you know when that book is published.  One thing that he says he wishes his readers take from reading his publications is the role our ancestors played in the history of building this nation.  To aspiring writers,  Johnson says "if you wish to write well you have to do a lot of reading".  In Johnson’s own words “the things you need most are substance and knowledge of your subject, as well as passion for your subject.  You have to be able to accept rejection but if you are passionate about your work you will be successful.”

Story and Interview By Jamcnblood
See JB's article on the Black Wall street
Visit Jamcnblood's Corner (Click Here)

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For information on booking Hannibal Johnson for lectures and speaking engagements contact:
Arlene Johnson
918-493-1994
AjohnsonPR@aol.com  

For Information on Books by Hannibal Johnson Click Here.
or Contact Eakin Press at 800-880-8642 x17

Works by Hannibal B. Johnson Include:
q   Black Wall Street traces the history of Tulsa’s African-American community, renowned nationally in the early twentieth century for its preeminent Black entrepreneurs.  Tulsa was the site of the worst race riot in American history in 1921.  Some 300 people were killed and property damage ran into the millions.  Tulsa’s African-Americans overcame.  The Greenwood District was rebuilt and, by 1942, boasted 242 black-owned and black-operated business establishments. The book is a testament to the human spirit. 

q   Up From The Ashes tells the story of the development, destruction, and rebuilding of a dynamic neighborhood from a child’s perspective.  Based on actual historical events, it is a positive, life-affirming book.  Readers will discover what it means to be part of a community, with all its ups and downs.  The book demonstrates many of the timeless virtues we all cherish, not just for ourselves, but for our children:  faith, determination, integrity, humility, and compassion.  

q  Acres of Aspiration Prominently in Kansas, then principally in Oklahoma, all-black towns founded by black seekers mushroomed in the post-Reconstruction era.  Weary Southern migrants formed their own frontier communities, largely self-sustaining.  Black towns offered hope—hope of full citizenship;  hope of self-governance;  and hope of full participation, through land ownership, in the American dream.  

Despite an auspicious beginning, the all-black town movement crested between 1890 and 1910, a time when American capitalism transitioned from agrarian to urban.  This and a host of other social and economic factors ultimately sealed the fates of these unique, historic oases.  Many perished.  Most faded.  Only the strong survived.  The few that remain serve as testaments to the human spirit and monuments to the power of hope, faith, and community. 
Call Eakin Press toll free @ 1-800-880-8642 (X17) now to place your advance order at a special discount rate.  Acres of Aspiration will be available in January 2002.

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