AI Investigation of 1921 Tulsa Massacre: Brenda Nails-Alford (Granddaughter of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor’s, and Black Wall Street Entrepreneurs James Nails Sr., and Vasinora Nails-Green)

Speaker: AI Investigation of 1921 Tulsa Massacre: Brenda Nails-Alford (Granddaughter of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor’s, and Black Wall Street Entrepreneurs James Nails Sr., and Vasinora Nails-Green)

Title: Hearing from a Descendant of Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: A Discussion of the Legacy of Black Wallstreet

Join Professor Corey Toler-Franklin for a personal interview with Brenda Nails-Alford as she shares her experience as a descendant of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors. We will hear from Brenda about her family history and learn about family members that tie her to this event. Let’s step back in time through accounts of how her grandparents, entrepreneurs James Nails Sr., and Vasinora Nails-Greenhow in partnership with her great-uncle Henry Nails, built a successful thriving business and developed strong connections in their local community with influence beyond Oklahoma. We are honored to learn firsthand about Brenda’s personal journey and how the current Tulsa Race Massacre Investigation has had an impact on her and her family.

Brenda Nails-Alford is the proud granddaughter of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor’s, and Black Wall Street Entrepreneurs James Nails Sr., and Vasinora Nails-Green. They along with her Great uncle Henry Nails were the proud owners of The Nails Brothers Shoe Shop and Record Shop. They were also the first owners of what is now Lacy Park, wherein The Nails Dance Pavilion and Skating Rink was located. They also operated a Limousine and Taxi Service.  

The Nails Family have been ongoing members, and supporters of the Greenwood Community for over 100 years. Brenda was raised in Tulsa, and is a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, and the University of Tulsa where her aunt Dr. Cecelia Nails-Palmer a Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, was the first black faculty member. Brenda has served in various leadership, and volunteer roles within her community. These include the 1921 Graves Investigation, 1921 Tulsa Race Riot (Massacre) Centennial Commission, and Founding Board Member of Greenwood Rising Museum.

Brenda has also served on committees within the Greenwood/North Tulsa districts that serve to revitalize and uplift the community. Brenda has also been honored with the YWCA Pinnacle, and Tulsa League of Women Voters “Madam President“ Awards for her work within the community. She has also had the awesome opportunity to appear in various interviews and documentaries which include Russell Westbrooks “Tulsa Burning”, and Tulsa People “Resilient”. Also, various news outlets within the United States and abroad. These have been very wonderful opportunities to promote those conversations that bring about inclusivity, and equality within our communities and beyond. In her spare time Brenda enjoys family time, volunteering, and researching family history.

Contact: Corey Toler-Franklin ct3219@columbia.edu

Full series of talks at https://www.coreytoler.com/TulsaSpeakers/AITulsaSpeakers/AIInvestigationTulsaMassacre.html