Dream with me for a moment. Imagine the Black experienced in Oklahoma City transformed—a place where dreams take root and grow into reality. Picture lively neighborhoods, where every street tells a story of resilience and hope. This is a vision where Black people come together, investing in their neighborhood and creating a future that shines brightly across the metro.
In this vision, the community is the driving force behind development. Residents gather in vibrant town hall meetings, sharing ideas and pooling resources. They form investment groups, where each member contributes to a fund that finances local projects. These funds support everything from renovating historic homes to launching new businesses. Cooperative ownership models ensure that profits and decision-making power stay within the community, fostering economic stability and pride.
Keep dreaming with me!
Imagine leveraging public and private funding to fuel this growth. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) redirects tax revenues to improve infrastructure, attracting more investment. Grants and subsidies flow into the community, supporting housing and small business initiatives. Microloans offer crucial financial support to budding entrepreneurs, while crowdfunding campaigns engage the broader community, building a sense of shared purpose. Politicians and faith-leaders are working in concert to ensure the community is prospering while mentoring the next generation of leaders.
In this dream, knowledge is a cornerstone. Business incubators provide training and mentorship, guiding new entrepreneurs through the complexities of starting a business. Allies become true partners and we no longer must be concerned about the “white savior complex”. Workshops facilitated by exemplary Black professionals on financial literacy, business management, and real estate investment empower residents with the skills they need to succeed. Youth programs inspire the next generation, equipping them with tools and mentorship to turn their dreams into reality.
Keep dreaming with me!
Cultural centers and museums blossom, celebrating the rich history of African Americans in OKC. Public art projects and local festivals bring people together, showcasing “the culture” and fostering community pride. Historic buildings and landmarks are preserved, maintaining the architectural heritage that tells the story of resilient Black people. Visitors travel to the city and can feel the resurgence of musical genius and progression Deep Deuce once had.
This vision sees the revitalization of Northeast OKC as an inclusive Black movement, rooted in collective efforts and cultural gatekeeping is a sign of protection for all Black people. Community-led development, strategic financial planning, and a commitment to education and cultural preservation create a thriving, inclusive environment For Us By Us (FUBU).
Imagine walking through a neighborhood where every business, every home, every mural reflects the collective spirit and hard work of the community. This is the future we can create, an effervescent, inclusive, and thriving Black experience that shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity across the entire Oklahoma City Metro Area.
Together, we are not just dreaming but building the next chapter—one of growth, resilience, and shared prosperity. Let’s turn this dream into reality, hand in hand, investing in our community and our future.
Now open your eyes.
These efforts are happening now. The community is waiting on you to come home.
Author: Apollo Woods, MBA
