The Okmulgee Times had the unique opportunity to sit down with Director Aaron Williams and actress Fatima Marie, who portrays Emma Gurley, to discuss their powerful new film on the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street. Now available to watch for free on FAWESOME, the film is a must-see for anyone interested in African American history, entrepreneurship, and resilience.
This exclusive interview gave us firsthand insight into the creative vision behind the film, which tells the story of O.W. Gurley, a visionary Black entrepreneur who helped establish Greenwood in Tulsa – a prosperous Black business district tragically devastated during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
– A powerful new film on the legacy of Greenwood’s Black Wall Street is now available to watch for free on FAWESOME, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in African American history, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Directed by Aaron Williams, this film tells the story of O.W. Gurley, a visionary Black entrepreneur who helped establish Greenwood in Tulsa – a prosperous Black business district tragically devastated during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.
Adding to the film’s draw is actor Darius McCrary, well-known for his role as Eddie Winslow in the beloved sitcom Family Matters. McCrary steps into the shoes of O.W. Gurley, portraying the businessman’s determination to build Black Wall Street in the face of relentless obstacles. Mc-Crary’s performance brings depth to Gurley’s resilience, highlighting both his struggles and triumphs as a leader and visionary. His portrayal invites audiences to not only see Gurley as a historical figure but as a man driven by an unwavering belief in his community’s potential.
But Greenwood’s story is not just one of loss; it’s a story of triumph, determination, and the enduring spirit of a community. The themes of resilience highlighted in the film also resonate deeply with Okmulgee’s own Black Wall Street, located on 5th Street, a place that thrived as a center of Blackowned businesses. By watching this film and exploring these histories, we not only honor the past but also encourage further research and preservation efforts in our own community.
— The Story of Black Wall Street in Greenwood Greenwood was once a beacon of Black entrepreneurship, with hotels, banks, and thriving businesses, largely thanks to O.W. Gurley. In an interview, Director Aaron Williams shared his inspiration for focusing on Gurley’s role in building Black Wall Street. “All you hear about a lot of times is the massacre,” Williams explained. “I wanted to focus on the strength it took to build something like that, especially during a time like that.”
Williams’ film tells a side of the story that’s often overlooked—the determination it took for Gurley and others to succeed in a time when legal and social barriers made it nearly impossible for Black people to thrive. “Let’s see some hope and let’s see some positivity,” Williams said, reflecting on the importance of telling the full story, not just the tragedy.
— The Power of Storytelling Through Film Storytelling through film has the unique ability to bring history to life, allowing viewers to emotionally connect with the past in ways that facts and figures alone cannot. Director Aaron Williams saw the film as a way to not only educate but to inspire, especially by focusing on O.W. Gurley’s entrepreneurial journey rather than just the destruction of Black Wall Street. Williams explained, “I wanted to approach the story from a completely different angle. We know about the aftermath and the tragedy, but I wanted to take the audience on a journey of what it took to build something so powerful.”
Darius McCrary’s portrayal of O.W. Gurley captures this spirit, making Gurley’s determination and vision feel real and relatable. The power of film lies in its ability to humanize these historical figures, showing the dayto- day struggles and triumphs they faced. In this way, the film encourages viewers to not only see Gurley as a businessman from the past but as a symbol of resilience that still resonates today.
Fatima Marie, who plays Emma Gurley, emphasized how storytelling allowed her to bring out the emotional heart of the film. “Emma stood by her husband’s side through countless challenges, yet also asserted her own dreams,” Fatima shared. “It’s a story of love, partnership, and the power of community.” Her portrayal, along with the film’s powerful soundtrack and dialogue, brings the audience into the world of Greenwood, showing the personal and collective struggles that defined Black Wall Street.
Williams also noted that storytelling can serve as a bridge between the past and present, helping younger generations understand how history shapes the world they live in today. By using a modern soundtrack and highlighting universal themes like resilience, hope and entrepreneurship, the film becomes more than just a retelling of history – it becomes a powerful message for today’s viewers.
— Fatima’s Integral Role in the Film’s Creation While Fatima is best known for her portrayal of Emma Gurley in the film, her involvement went far beyond acting. Director Aaron Williams credited her with being an essential part of the creative process, from shaping the script to developing the film’s impactful soundtrack. “Fatima really helped me with this project from start to finish,” Williams said. “She spent time in the post lab with us and even influenced key elements like the music.”
In fact, one of the film’s most pivotal moments – a scene during the race featuring the upbeat song Melanin Poppin’ – was added at Fatima’s suggestion. As Williams recalled, “Fatima said, ‘We need to talk about something, about making it to the top,’” which led to the creation of lyrics that underscored the film’s message of triumph over adversity. Her influence extended to the emotional heart of the film as well. She collaborated with Williams on character development, ensuring that Emma Gurley’s role as a partner in O.W. Gurley’s success was given its due. Fatima explained how Emma stood by her husband through countless challenges, yet also asserted her own dreams. “She made sure to keep letting him know, ‘I’m with you every step of the way.’” Fatima’s dual role as both an actress and creative collaborator adds a unique layer to the film, allowing it to resonate on a deeper emotional level while ensuring that the message of resilience, love, and community is fully realized.
— Connecting Greenwood to Okmulgee’s 5th Street
While Greenwood is one of the most well-known Black Wall Street districts, it is far from the only one. Okmulgee’s own 5th Street was a thriving hub of Black-owned businesses and is often referred to as the city’s Black Wall Street. The story of Greenwood offers valuable lessons for our local community here in Okmulgee. Much like Greenwood, 5th Street was a symbol of Black resilience, self-reliance and entrepreneurial spirit.
By drawing attention to both Greenwood and Okmulgee, we can encourage further research and preservation efforts to ensure that these vital pieces of history are not forgotten. Director Aaron Williams pointed out that “a lot of principles from the past still apply today,” particularly the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and reinvesting in our communities. “If we invest in one another, we can be successful in our own community as well,” he said.
— Why It’s Important to Watch the Film
The film doesn’t just focus on the devastation of Greenwood; it celebrates the community’s achievements and the entrepreneurial spirit that allowed Black Wall Street to thrive. Fatima, reflecting on the significance of the film, said, “It’s a great story for the Black community to see that you don’t give up on your dreams. Doors will be closed, but you keep going, you keep believing.”
In the film, we see McCrary’s portrayal of Gurley’s relentless pursuit of success despite countless obstacles, and we’re reminded of the importance of tenacity. Williams explained that while the film covers historical facts, he wanted to make it engaging and accessible, particularly for younger audiences. By including a modern soundtrack with powerful messages, he hopes to reach a broader audience and spark conversations about how these lessons apply today.
— Call to Action: Learn, Watch, Discuss
We are honored to have had the chance to speak with both Director Aaron Williams and Fatima Marie about their creative process and the deeper meaning behind this impactful film. We encourage all readers to take the time to watch this important film on FAWESOME, a free streaming platform dedicated to diverse stories. As Fatima emphasized, “It’s a story everyone should know about.”
Beyond viewing the film, we also invite you to explore the history of our own Black Wall Street on 5th Street here in Okmulgee. Our local history is just as rich and worthy of preservation as Greenwood’s. By learning more about these stories, we not only honor the past but also build a foundation for future generations.
Director Aaron Williams hopes the film will trigger broader conversations, not just about the past, but about how we can move forward as a community today. He stated, “How can we inspire for greater things? How can we create opportunities for land ownership, for home ownership? That’s the conversation we should be having.”
