Tulsa Tech Week: Rebuilding Black Wall Street

Tulsa, Oklahoma, is gearing up for its second annual Tulsa Tech Week, a citywide festival dedicated to fostering innovation and rebuilding the historic legacy of Black Wall Street. Founded by Tariqua “Tai” Nehisi, this six-day event, running from September 22-27, aims to bring together a diverse community of tech enthusiasts, founders, engineers, students, and investors, all free of charge.

A Vision for Rebuilding Through Technology

Nehisi, originally from New York, felt drawn to Tulsa by the city’s concerted efforts to support Black and brown-focused tech companies and rebuild the Black Wall Street community through a technological lens. After participating in a business accelerator, her vision began to take shape, leading to the creation of Tulsa Tech Week.

The event promises over 50 partners hosting a variety of sessions, panels, and networking opportunities. Organizers describe it as an accessible platform designed to connect key players in the tech ecosystem, offering tailored programming through “attendee paths” for founders, hackers, STEAM scholars, and investors. This focus on specific career paths allows for deeper industry knowledge and targeted networking.

Community Engagement and Inclusivity

Community engagement is a cornerstone of Tulsa Tech Week. Events like the “Walk & Talk” networking session at Gathering Place Park, hosted by Startup Grind Tulsa, will not only facilitate connections but also provide visibility for local vendors at an open market. The Oklahoma Small Business Exchange will host a State of Technology Roundtable, bringing together local and national voices to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the evolving tech landscape.

The festival is intentionally framed as an inclusive space, designed to attract diverse communities and highlight underrepresented entrepreneurs. As Tulsa continues to grow as a hub for remote workers and startups, Tulsa Tech Week serves as a vibrant showcase of how technology and culture intersect in Oklahoma, aiming to expand and rebuild the city’s economic foundation.