Thousands of our native people are land holders, and have thousands of acres of rich lands to rent and lease. “The Indian Territory and Oklahoma are now a new state. “To our colored friends throughout the United States, we send you greeting,” the ad said on Nov. Just one day before Oklahoma became a state, an ad in The Muskogee Cimeter, a black-owned newspaper, proclaimed excitement and hope for blacks in Oklahoma, according to a magazine by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department tilted Long Road to Liberty. Advertising in black-owned newspapers brought even more people to the towns, creating a large growth before Oklahoma reached statehood. The most prominent towns - such as Langston, founded in 1890 - were created after the Land Run of 1889. () A new hope for black Americansīetween 18, more than 50 all-black towns were founded in Oklahoma, totaling more than anywhere else in the country and creating a mindset that Oklahoma could be a land of opportunity for black Americans. This map from the Oklahoma Historical Society shows the location of all-black towns in Oklahoma, including IXL, which was incorporated in 2001.

“It was advertised that Oklahoma (…) was a wonderful place with rich soil, great land, great opportunities,” said Jessilyn Head. In these early towns, newspapers advertised throughout the south about land and opportunities, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Oklahoma’s first all-black towns were created in Indian Territory after the Civil War when former slaves of Native Americans settled together following the Trail of Tears. “This is an effort that begs assistance.” Or some of their relatives are buried,” said Jessilyn Head, co-founder of the Coltrane Group. “Even if it’s just to help the cemetery in that area where their ancestors are buried. They are raising money and writing for grants to preserve and revitalize the towns’ most famous buildings. The Coltrane Group, a set of volunteers focused on revitalizing and preserving the black towns of Oklahoma, has worked to bring new life to these 13 communities by holding all-black town tours for the last four years. Most feature abandoned and run-down buildings, but a nonprofit group is working to preserve and revitalize the towns. BOLEY - Thirteen historic all-black towns are still incorporated in Oklahoma.

Clearview oklahoma