BSA Trip to the Historic Greenwood District in Tulsa Published March 13, 2025

The Rose State College (RSC) Black Student Association (BSA) took six students on a field trip to Tulsa to learn more about the Historic Greenwood District. BSA advisor Travis Lightsey challenged students throughout the day to think critically by making connections with Tulsa's past and present history.

"This experience was more than a historical tour—it’s an opportunity for deep reflection and learning,” said BSA Advisor Travis Lightsey. “By walking through the heart of the Greenwood District, engaging with local businesses, and exploring the resilience of Black Wall Street, our BSA students were able to gain a profound understanding of economic empowerment, social justice, and historical preservation.”

The first stop on this trip was lunch at Fixins in the historic Greenwood District. This black-owned restaurant serves many kinds of soul food. Students discussed the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses and what soul food meant to them and their families.

Six BSA students and Travis Lightsey are standing outside Fixins in the historic Greenwood District.

Six BSA students and Travis Lightsey sit around a table in the middle of Fixins. Three students are on each side of the table, while Lightsey sits at the head of the table.

Next, the students visited the Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center. This is an interactive museum where people learn about the roots of Black Wall Street, the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the rebuilding of the Greenwood District, and more.

Six BSA students and Travis Lightsey are outside Greenwood Rising Black Wall St. History Center.

BSA students are seated in barbershop chairs inside the museum. This room is an immersive experience where people sit in chairs and listen to holographic barbers discuss the things happening around town.

"The Greenwood Rising Museum re-opened my eyes to a part of Oklahoma history that is often forgotten about,” said RSC BSA President Ylleana Berryhill. “It allowed me to reconnect with a part of history that can be hard to remember. However, it also gave me something to look forward to. Greenwood is a beautiful area. If you look closely enough, the culture is rich and proud. Not only that, but the food is great, too."

PHOTO CAPTION: BSA President Ylleana Berryhill is typing on a screen at the end of the museum. Guests are encouraged to pledge to work for change in their communities.

The day ended with a group photo in the historic Greenwood District. As the students rode back from Tulsa to Midwest City, they discussed what they had learned throughout the day.

“Through our group discussions surrounding lessons from Greenwood’s story, reconciliation and resilience, economic rebirth, and the legacy of Black Wall Street, we were able to inspire future leaders to honor the past while shaping a better future for all,” Lightsey said.

To learn more about the RSC Black Student Association (BSA) or other clubs at Rose State College, visit rose.edu.