Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM)
Historic Redevelopment Celebration & Community Opening
The Sayles Group provided strategic community engagement, event activation, storytelling, and communications support for the grand opening of the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM), located in the historic Moton Hospital building in Tulsa’s Greenwood District. The project celebrated the transformation of a historically significant community asset into a modern hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity.
Impact
The Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton community opening brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, elected officials, partners, media representatives, and stakeholders to celebrate the transformation of the historic Moton Hospital building into a modern hub for innovation and economic opportunity.
Through strategic community engagement, storytelling, and event activation, the project honored Greenwood’s legacy while creating visibility for its future as a center for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and growth.
Historic Transformation
Originally constructed as Maurice Willows Hospital, this historic Greenwood landmark emerged from the aftermath of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. As Greenwood rebuilt, the hospital continued the lifesaving work that began through American Red Cross relief efforts, serving a community determined to recover and rebuild.
In 1932, the facility evolved into Moton Memorial Hospital, named in honor of Robert Russa Moton, the second president of Tuskegee Institute. During an era of segregation, when Black residents often faced barriers to healthcare access, the hospital became a vital resource and symbol of resilience for generations of Black Tulsans.
The legacy continued through Moton Health Center and later Morton Comprehensive Health Services, named in honor of Dr. W.A. Morton, whose service helped shape healthcare in North Tulsa. In 2006, Morton relocated to a new facility, creating an opportunity to preserve and reimagine the historic campus.
Today, the building has been transformed into the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM), honoring its legacy of service while creating a new hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity. The redevelopment reflects Greenwood’s enduring spirit of resilience, progress, and community empowerment.
Event Highlights
The Sayles Group’s Contribution
The Sayles Group provided strategic planning, community engagement, communications support, branding, and event activation services to help bring the vision of the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM) to life. Working alongside TEDC, project partners, community leaders, and stakeholders, our team helped create an experience that honored the building’s historic significance while introducing its next chapter as a hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity.
Strategic Communications & Public Relations
- Developed project messaging and communication materials.
- Conducted historical research to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and alignment with Greenwood’s legacy.
- Created talking points and supporting content for stakeholders, speakers, and community representatives.
- Supported storytelling efforts that connected the building’s history to its future as a center for entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Drafted press releases, media materials, and communication assets to support public awareness and event visibility.
- Coordinated media relations efforts and supported engagement with local news outlets and community media partners.
Community Engagement
- Designed and facilitated a community storytelling activation that invited attendees to share reflections, memories, and perspectives connected to the legacy of Moton Hospital.
- Supported engagement efforts with community leaders, stakeholders, partners, and attendees.
- Created opportunities for meaningful community participation throughout the event experience.
Event Strategy, Branding & Activation
- Assisted with event planning, coordination, and execution.
- Supported the design of event experiences that balanced celebration, education, historic preservation, and community engagement.
- Coordinated activation elements that enhanced attendee participation and interaction.
- Designed the event logo and visual identity to support marketing, branding, and event visibility.
Stakeholder & Partner Support
- Worked alongside TEDC, project partners, community leaders, and stakeholders to support a successful public opening and community celebration.
- Helped align communications, engagement efforts, and event experiences across multiple audiences.
- Supported relationship-building efforts that strengthened collaboration among partners and community stakeholders.
Historic Preservation Storytelling
- Researched and documented the history of Maurice Willows Hospital, Moton Memorial Hospital, Morton Health Services, and the Greenwood Entrepreneurship Center.
- Helped preserve and communicate the significance of the building’s role in Greenwood’s history and its continued impact on the community.
- Contributed to the development of historical content that honored the building’s legacy while introducing its next chapter.
Client
Client: Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC)
Project Location: Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM), Tulsa, Oklahoma
Services Provided: Community Engagement, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Event Strategy, Branding, Stakeholder Relations, Storytelling Activation, Historical Research, and Event Execution
Let’s Build Something Meaningful Together
Whether you’re launching a new initiative, engaging stakeholders, activating a brand, preserving community history, or planning a community-centered experience, The Sayles Group helps organizations create visibility, strengthen relationships, and drive meaningful impact.
Ready to start your next project? Contact us to schedule a consultation.