Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center will be presenting, Deep Greenwood Ignited: The Hidden Truth of Black Wall Street, a stage play reliving the horrific Tulsa Massacre. This important showing will run beginning Thursday, February 29 and continue through Saturday, March 2 with shows 3pm and 7pm daily and serves as the perfect ending to a month highlighting Black History. Special features include actor Jason Louder (BMF) and music from legendary gospel singers Vickie Winans and “The Prince of Praise” Byron Cage.
Set in times when racism was prevalent and segregation thrived, the play tells the story of Greenwood, a neighborhood housing a plethora of black-owned businesses and eventually came to be known as Black Wall Street. The story follows the lives of O.W. Gurley and J.B. Stratford showing their fight for the community’s economic rise. Unfortunately, as a result of the Black Wall Street’s success racial tensions increased and the area was attacked, leaving more than 1,200 homes and 60 businesses in flames and at least 300 Black Americans dead.
Now, a century after the tragedy, the victims of the Tulsa Massacre are being honored through this fact-based historical play written and produced by Oklahoma native Mia Walter. “When you leave this play, you will be enlightened, empowered, and inspired. We are giving a voice to those who came before us and fought hard to protect and rebuild their dreams” Walter said. “These are stories of real people who made a huge impact on the world we live in today.”
A story of resiliency, unity and hope, Walter’s play promises to challenge what you thought you knew about Black Wall Street and the devastating massacre that led to its demise. There will be a 3pm and 7pm showing daily and tickets can be purchased at www.ticketstorm.com.