Greenwood Rising: The Rise of Black Wall Street premiered on October 11, 2024, sharing the story of O. W. Gurley, one of the founders of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s famed Black Wall Street.
Featuring Family Matters star Darius McCrary and Fatima Marie as O. W. Gurley and Emma Gurley, this historical drama’s distinctive soundtrack blends jazz with modern beats, bringing a fresh energy to this powerful story.
From Tech to Storytelling
Co-produced and directed by Aaron L. Williams, Greenwood Rising is first original film by ad-supported video-on-demand platform Fawesome.
Williams began his career in tech, working on complex projects like NASA’s network systems and government data applications.
His tech career shaped his approach to filmmaking by applying the same problem-solving methods to streamline production timelines and resource management.
“When I founded Digital Media Studios, I saw inefficiencies in the film industry similar to those in tech,” Williams told POCIT. “I applied the same innovative strategies to improve production processes, bringing ideas to the screen more efficiently.”
For Williams, filmmaking was not a departure from tech, but an evolution. Greenwood Rising reflects his ability to merge creativity with technical precision, efficiently telling an important piece of Black history.
Why Greenwood’s Story Matters Today
Williams’ motivation for telling the story of Black Wall Street goes beyond its historical significance. For him, it was about showcasing what’s possible when communities build something of their own.
“The story of Black Wall Street is about ownership and creating your own future. Black entrepreneurs didn’t wait for permission—they just built their own path,” he explained.
Williams believes the film’s message is particularly relevant for today’s Black entrepreneurs, especially those in tech.
“In tech, we’re always building new platforms and pushing boundaries, just like the people of Greenwood. This film is a reminder that we can create our own ecosystems and grow businesses that serve our communities.”
“Viewers will leave the film feeling inspired and ready to take charge of their own futures,” Williams added.
“It’s a story about resilience, ambition, and the power of a clear vision. Whether in tech, business, or any field, this film shows that success is about mindset, not just resources.”
Feature Image Credit: IMDb
The post Greenwood Rising: Why This Tech Innovator-Turned-Filmmaker Is Telling Black Wall Street’s Story appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of people of color in tech..
