Throughout history, Black people have displayed incredible resilience in the face of adversity, often forming their own communities as a response to the terrors of racism, segregation, discrimination, and exclusion. These communities were not only places of refuge and unity, but also incubators of culture, art, entrepreneurship, and social change. There were places like Harlem, which birthed an entire Renaissance during the 1920s, marking a cultural explosion for African-Americans and there were other places that literally were created solely for us and by us. Here, we highlight a few historical African-American communities that left an indelible mark on American history and continue to inspire today. Greenwood (Tulsa), Oklahoma - "Black Wall Street" In the early 20th century, Greenwood, also known as "Black Wall Street," was a thriving African-American community with a bustling commercial district. Originally created by Ottawa W. Gurley with the purchase of more than 40 acres in 1906, Gurley sold exclusively to “coloreds only,” creating an economically independent Black community. The residents built successful businesses, including banks, theaters, and shops, that catered to the Black population. Tragically, the Tulsa Race Massacre in 1921 resulted in the destruction of much of the community, but the spirit of resilience and economic empowerment has left an enduring legacy. Freedmen's Town, Houston, Texas Freedmen's Town emerged after the Civil War as a settlement for formerly enslaved African-Americans. Originally located in Houston’s Fourth Ward, formerly enslaved people traveled along San Felipe Road into the city from plantations south and southwest of Houston, Blackpast.org reports. The community built homes, churches, and schools, becoming a self-sustaining enclave. Despite facing urban development pressures, residents and activists have fought to preserve its historic significance, highlighting the importance of honoring the past while advocating for the future and many of the edifices still exist today. Sweet Auburn, Atlanta, Georgia Sweet Auburn was a vibrant Black neighborhood known for its entrepreneurial spirit and cultural contributions. It was home to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the headquarters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). This community played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, and its legacy continues to inspire social justice activists. Bronzeville, Chicago, Illinois Bronzeville emerged on Chicago's South Side during the Great Migration, as African-Americans sought better economic opportunities and escape from Jim Crow laws in the South. Historically known as The Chi’s “Black Metropolis,” the neighborhood became a cultural epicenter, fostering the growth of Black-owned businesses, music, and literature. Bronzeville's influence reverberates through its impact on Chicago's diverse cultural landscape. Seneca Village, New York City Seneca Village was one of the first African-American communities in Manhattan during the mid-1800s. Established before Central Park'
