INSIDE GREENWOOD AVE. MAGAZINE No. 3

In the third issue of Greenwood Ave., we meet the pioneers changing the face of Black tech and the eco-system builders that support them. We showcase the exceptional achievements of some inspiring founders as we explore their groundbreaking startups, disruptive ideas, and the invaluable contributions they are making society. 

Much like the US oil boom in the early 1900s, tech is now an avenue for Black entrepreneurs to gain wealth and rapidly create impact. The oil boom was ignited by the "black gold" hidden beneath Earth's surface. Today, tech is allowing new Black gold to be unearthed.

BLACK TECH STREET

For founders to truly thrive, they need a strong ecosystem. There are some key organizations in Tulsa that are working to rebirth Black Wall Street as the World's premiere Black Innovation Economy.

Black Tech Street, led by Tyrance Billingsley II, is developing and securing Black tech focused economic development opportunities for Black Tulsans at scale. His organization just announced a historic partnership with Microsoft to create 1,000 Black cyber jobs by 2030.

Ashli Sims, Managing Director of Build of Tulsa, is catalyzing multi-generational wealth creation through a myriad of programming. One of its marquee accelerators, W.E. Build, is powered by Goldman Sachs 1 Million Black Women Initiative and gives support to 10 Black women-led businesses.

ACT House, pioneered by Dominic Ar'dis, is adding to the digital transformation of Black Wall Street. Their assessment helps innovators craft the best version of themselves, build their ideal team, and execute their dream with a $70K, 0% equity investment. 

FOR THE FUTURE

Three companies enriching our future are kinkofa, Boddle, and Urban Coders Guild. 

In this issue, we explore kinkofa's unexpected origin story. Founders Jourdan and Meshia are protecting the history of our roots by connecting Black people to their kinfolx.

Edna and Clarence, creators of Boddle Learning, have over 1 million active users on their gamified education platform. The husband and wife duo are making it fun for kids to learn the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Read how Mikeal and the Urban Coders Guild is building the pipeline for tech talent. 

GAME CHANGERS

In the words of Venita Cooper, there are times when technological innovation shifts opportunities, and it’s the forward-thinking companies who can take advantage of those opportunities. Issue No. 3 highlights innovators using their tech to make wakes in key markets.

Coop, founder of Arbit, uses artificial intelligence to identify arbitrage opportunities in the sneaker resell market. Her analytics platform is making everyone smarter as buyers, sellers, and investors.

Cllctve founder Kelsey Davis is a match maker for the creator economy. Through an intentional approach to problem solving, she is uniting innovative brands with the untapped potential of creators.

Encounter AI, created by Derrick Johnson, changing the restaurant industry for good with MAI. A new artificially intelligent assistant.

DYNAMIC DUOS

Teamwork makes the dreamwork. You can learn the story of world-changing tech platforms from friends, co-founders and a husband and wife duo with a legacy of entrepreneurship.

ShearShare, created by Dr. Tye and is Courtney Caldwell, is known in the beauty industry as 'HairBnb.' They are now in 900 cities across the country.

Co-founders Stevon Judd and Darrien Watson just received a $1.5 million investment for their travel app SquadTrip.

Read about how Su Sanni and Chris Coles created Dollaride. Together, they are revolutionizing urban travel and saving the planet, one ride at a time.

BLACK AMBITION

We were blessed to glean from the wisdom of Felecia Hatcher, CEO of Black Ambition, created by Pharrell Williams. Felecia teaches us the importance of ambition and how we can learn from the past and create a different future.