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Uplifting Black communities through architecture, preservation & design. Come spin the block with us on 11/7! 🧱📍🏡
@so8thokc
@blacktownhomecoming

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Each one of Oklahoma’s historic Black towns carry a legacy deeper than its soil, representing stories of resilience, innovation, land stewardship, and community care that shaped Oklahoma and our nation at-large. While we continue to celebrate that history through this project, we’re also going to uplift the leaders who are here with us today:

To the legacy residents who never left
To the descendants who’ve returned
To the leaders who work to keep these stories alive, the land tended, and the culture rooted

Tullahassee, Taft, and Rentiesville - we cheers to you 🥂, a coalition of Black town builders who continue to creatively restore these towns and make a way so that vibrant Black town futures are not far from within reach.

Next April our tour will honor history and the changemakers who continue to carry these communities with pride and purpose. Together we’ll gather to experience the beautiful, living legacies of Oklahoma’s historic Black towns. 🖤✨

#blacktownhomecoming #tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #okhistory #okblacktowns #historicblacktowns #oklahomahistory

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Planning is underway for the Black Town Homecoming tours, taking place April 24th-April 26th and we can’t wait to share what’s up next!

Save the dates and stay tuned for details and registration announcements as we go into the new year. 🥳🗓️

#taft #tullahassee #rentiesville #blacktownhomecoming #placemaking #culturalpreservation #okblacktowns #okhistory

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Oklahoma’s historic Black towns hold a deep and rich history. However, many are unaware of how they carry a vibrant present — led by legacy community members working hard to ensure that these towns exist and flourish in the future.

Hear from Mayor Keisha Currin and community leader, Lori Hytche, of Tullahassee as they share their vision for Black town futures.

What do Black town futures mean to you? 💭✨

#blacktownhomecoming #tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #okhistory #okblacktowns #historicblacktowns #oklahomahistory

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How Can Architecture Reflect the Needs of Its Communities? ⁠
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Architecture is more than just designing buildings—it’s about shaping the spaces where people live, work, and connect. Community engagement in architecture ensures that these spaces reflect the needs, values, and aspirations of the people who use them. By involving local communities in the planning and design process, architects can create inclusive, functional, and culturally relevant environments that foster a sense of belonging. ⁠
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Click the link in bio to browse some of the best community engagement stories from our archives. ⁠
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📝: METROPOLIS Editors⁠
⁠📷: Image Credits Below⁠
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1-2. The Isooko Community Development Center was designed in partnership with people living in and around the village of Masoro, Rwanda. @gacollaborative⁠
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⁠3. Open Design Collective’s vision for Washington Plaza in Northeast Oklahoma City was developed with community members. @open_designco⁠
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4. Nowhere Collaborative developed this Building Scavenger Hunt booklet for Boswell, Indiana, so that community members can have some fun while engaging with architects. @nowherecollaborative⁠
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#metropolis #metropolismagazine #communityengagement #communityleddesign #communitydrivendesign #sustainablearchitecture #sustainabledesign

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Oklahoma holds the highest number of historic Black towns in the nation — over 50 sites of self-determination and Black collective community building.

In the 1920s, Rev. S.S. Jones captured these communities and their leaders in motion; from Black doctors, lawyers, educators, landowners, and even oil well owners who represented wealth and resiliency despite being tethered to the traumas of chattel enslavement. These towns were symbols of innovation, andpossibility — inviting others to root themselves and build.

The models and solutions are clear — showing us how to create spaces of resilience, prosperity, and belonging against all odds. It’s our responsibility to uplift the work from here.
🖤🏡

Video: @natgeo

#oklahomablacktowns #historicblacktowns #blacktowns #blackwealth #taft #tullahassee #rentiesville #historicpreservation #okhistory #oklahomahistory

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Still coasting from the Black Town Homecoming launch ✨! The food, the vibes, the space, and the people were unmatched, so you know we can’t wait to share what’s coming next. Be sure to save the dates (4/24-4/26) and stay tuned! 👀

🎥: @shotbycraiig 🔥

#tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #greenwood #blacktowns #okblacktowns #culturalpreservation #blacktownhomecoming

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BIG love to the 50+ folks who joined us in Greenwood to celebrate the official launch of the Black Town Homecoming project with us! A time was had and we’re so excited to take this project on the road to the historic Black towns of Tullahassee, Taft, and Rentiesville in spring 2026! Much gratitude to @theconsciouslee for joining us with an encouraging word, to @okhistory for their support of our work, and to all of our partners and guests for making the gathering magical ✨ Stay tuned for more details about the Black Town Homecoming tour - coming to you April 24-26!

#blacktownhomecoming #homecoming #oklahomahistory #okhistory #tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #blackspace #oklahoma #oklahomacity #greenwood #tulsa #blackspace

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Today (9/20) is THE day of the *official* Black Town Homecoming launch and we are SOLD OUT! Big ups to our project partners, @open_designco @lilliantimberfarms and @okhistory for making today possible, the beautiful Black towns of Tullahassee, Taft, and Rentiesville for their collaboration and giving this project purpose, and to all of the supporters for showing out in the RSVPs! Stay tuned for details dropping soon on our Black town experience - coming to you in the spring of 2026. Until then we’ll see you on the yard - tonight!

#blacktownhomecoming #homecoming #oklahomahistory #okhistory #tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #blackspace #oklahoma

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The Official Launch of the @blacktownhomecoming Project with Special Guest Conscious Lee

Join us for the official launch of the Black Town Homecoming experience — a powerful movement honoring the legacy and future of Oklahoma’s historic Black towns of Tullahassee, Taft, and Rentiesville in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District.

This gathering will bring folks together to celebrate the introduction of the project and to give attendees a firsthand look into what’s coming up next. Together we’ll enjoy drinks, bites, a live DJ, and will get to share space with our special guest, @theconsciouslee!

This event is a call to come home to remember, restore, and celebrate the future of Oklahoma’s historic Black towns. Let’s break bread, honor our roots, and share joy together. Meet us on the yard!

📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 9/20 | 5:00P-7:30P

📍 Fulton Street Books & Coffee – 21 N Greenwood Ave, Tulsa, OK 74120

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Did you know that Oklahoma was once home to over 50 all-Black towns — more than any other state in the nation? This legacy of self-determination, culture, and resilience is unmatched.

This Saturday (9/20) we’re bringing that history to life with the Black Town Homecoming Project by curating an unforgettable experience that honors our past, celebrates our present, and welcomes you home. 🖤🏡✨

Big S/O to our team and partners for making this moment possible. See you on the yard this Saturday!

#blacktownhomecoming #homecoming #oklahomahistory #okhistory #tullahassee #taft #rentiesville #blackspace #oklahoma

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Saturday 9/20 is around the corner and we can’t wait to celebrate the official launch of the Black Town Homecoming project! Get ready for the vibes brought to you by @drview1 , soulful tastes by @chef_charlesboyd , and a powerful word from our special guest, @theconsciouslee , as we celebrate Oklahoma’s Black town legacy at the beautiful @fultonstreet918

Space is filling up but there’s still room left! RSVP today at the link in our bio (opendesignco.org). See you on the yard!

🎵 @drview1

#historicblacktowns #okblacktowns #taft #tullahassee #rentiesville #truthtelling #culturalpreservation #okhistory #knowledgeispower #blacktownhomecoming #homecoming

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We’re less than two weeks out from the official Black Town Homecoming launch in Tulsa to celebrate a lineup of the Black towns that are nothing short of legendary.

📍 Tullahassee – The first and oldest surviving all-Black town in Oklahoma, founded in 1850 and later rebuilt by Freedmen. Once home to multiple educational institutions, it’s a cornerstone of Black resilience.

📍 Taft – Established in 1902, this town became a hub for faith, education, wealth and pride. From various schools to being the birthplace of Sarah Rector, one of the first Black millionaires in the United States, Taft has always been rooted in community strength.

📍 Rentiesville – Founded in 1903 by William Rentie, this historic town grew into a thriving cultural and business hub. It’s the birthplace of historian John Hope Franklin and one of just 13 all-Black towns still standing strong today that’s known for its Blues culture.

Just like an HBCU Homecoming, this lineup is about legacy, scholarship, and the heartbeat of our people. RSVP at the link and we’ll see you there!

#blacktownhomecoming #homecoming #Tullahassee #Taft #Rentiesville #culturalpreservation

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