A library being built in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District, once known as “Black Wall Street,” will someday serve as a welcome hub for learners of all ages, while also providing a window to the area’s past.
Construction on the Rudisill Regional Library broke ground last month. When the new library opens, currently anticipated for late 2025, it will replace the existing Rudisill Regional Library, which is half a mile away. Bank of Oklahoma recently announced its commitment of $2.5 million to support the construction of the new facility, which is being rebuilt as part of the Tulsa City-County Library’s “MY Library, OUR Future” capital campaign.
“Libraries are a place of inspiration, exploration and community. Not only does a public library bring people together, it also teaches us about the world around us and our place in the world,” said Stacy Kymes, president and CEO of BOK Financial®.
“Rudisill Library is an example of the best of what a library has to offer. Library patrons, and the community as a whole, are going to love this new iteration of Rudisill as much as we do,” he continued. “It’s an honor to be part of this project.”
Once completed, the facility will include the BOK Harmony Hall, an 11,000-square-foot event space with an outdoor patio and skyline views that will seat up to 450 people for lectures, meetings, trainings or evening events.
The library will also host the African American Resource Center—a research destination that allows authors and historians to easily research Black Wall Street and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, which also took place in Greenwood. In addition, a genealogy center focusing on African American ancestry will return to Rudisill, after being relocated to a different branch in 1997.
Books are a bridge between viewpoints
In celebration of the recent library groundbreaking—and the neighborhood’s legacy of triumph and tragedy—we asked BOK Financial’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council members how books have played a role in expanding their worldview. Here’s what they said:
“Knowledge is power, and literature is instrumental in the personal and collective growth of individuals and communities to cross the bridge to a higher level of inclusion.”- Jesse Ledford, manager of consumer assessment operations
“Reading about diverse cultures and experiences has a profound impact on understanding equity. It gives me a broader perspective by exposing me to diverse cultures and their unique challenges and experiences. Understanding these differences helps me to recognize the importance of equity.”- TC Alexander, community development engagement and education manager
“I believe literature can give you the best historical look at how racial and gender inequality germinated and remains today. The written word gives the reader facts and context that allows an informed decision.”- Kevin Kramer, Kansas City market CEO
“Through storytelling, literature plays a pivotal role. It offers insights into the experiences, emotions and viewpoints of people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and religions. Literature can amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, allowing their stories to be heard and understood. By highlighting shared human experiences, it reminds us of our common humanity, transcending cultural or ethnic differences. This fosters a sense of unity and solidarity among readers.”- Jhoanna Astudillo, Hispanic segment leader
“Having been an avid reader since I was very young, I can strongly relate to the importance of literature in expanding my views. Growing up in rural Oklahoma, my view and experience with anything different from ‘small town girl’ was extremely narrow. Reading books that are written from the perspective of people from different backgrounds than me—or that tell the stories of those who have experienced inequities—has helped me to expand my perspective. Reading these books has significantly impacted my empathy for others who have had very different life experiences than I have had.”- Mindy Mahaney, chief risk officer
As the BOK Financial team anticipates the new library, leaders who are avid readers like Kymes will continue to encourage employees to read to broaden their perspectives.
“Libraries create a welcoming space where everyone, regardless of background and experience, can come together to learn, explore and grow,” Kymes said. “I’m eager to see the Rudisill library team and community come together to make this a better place for generations to come. It’s an honor to have played a role in the library’s story.”
. © 2024 BOKF, NA.