Now in its fifth year, the multi-day Black Wall Street Biker Rally has been nominated as one of the Ten Best Cultural Festivals in the United States. Organizers say the honor goes far beyond a celebration of motorcycles, calling it a recognition of history, culture, and the enduring spirit of Black Wall Street.
The sound of revving engines fills Greenwood each year as thousands of bikers and visitors travel from across the country to attend the rally. For many, the event is both a celebration and a learning experience.
“Different people from different states coming together. Learning the history that I never even knew,” one attendee said.
Byron Perry, a member of the Black Wall Street Rally team, says the nomination is something organizers never imagined when the festival first began.
“To be recognized by USA Today that we’re telling the story and have an event that people love to attend is really something special for us, and it helps us to continue growing it,” Perry said.
The festival blends live music and cultural celebrations with educational sessions focused on economic empowerment, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. Organizers say those components reflect Greenwood’s past while building toward its future.
“We want to make this to be the number one USA Today Ten Best cultural event for this year,” Perry said.
Bikers remain a central part of the rally’s identity, with some traveling hundreds of miles to be part of the experience.
“I’m very proud of Tulsa putting on this motorcycle rally representing Black Wall Street,” said Christopher Simien, who rode about 10 hours to attend. “It’s something that a lot of people of all cultures are not familiar with. I think it’s important, and I’m really grateful—that’s why I drove 10 hours on that bike.”
Voting for the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards opens February 2 and runs through March 2. People can vote once per day.
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